Why don't they put in more stop signs to reduce speeding?
A stop sign is used to assign right of way at an intersection and to make sure that traffic flows smoothly and predictably. Because a stop sign is used to assign right of way at an intersection, it is not an effective means to control speeding. Research shows that where stop signs are installed as "deterrents" or "speed breakers," there are high incidences of intentional violations resulting in accidents.

When vehicles must stop, the speed reduction is only near the stop sign, and drivers tend to speed up between stop sign controlled intersections. When not required to stop by cross street traffic, only 5 to 20% of all drivers come to a complete stop, 40 to 60% will come to a rolling stop below 5 mph, and 20 to 40% will pass through at higher speeds. Signs placed on major and collector streets for the purpose of speed reduction are the most flagrantly violated.

Stop signs are not warranted in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) as an effective measure to reduce speeding. For more information about stop signs, click here.

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1. How do I know if the stop light has a problem, or if I am doing something wrong?
2. How can I locate my property corners?
3. Are the Cascade Avenue crosswalks really safe?
4. What's the difference between a Court and a Circle, or a Drive and a Road?
5. Are marked crosswalks safer than unmarked crosswalks?
6. Why are roundabouts used instead of a signal light?
7. Why can't we see through the roundabouts in River Falls?
8. Why doesn’t the city use Children at Play signs?
9. Why don't they put in more stop signs to reduce speeding?
10. How are speed limits set?