Traffic Control 1.02.2007 | 0 Comment(s)

I'm of the opinion that stop signs do not slow traffic down. In fact, I think numerous stop signs in an area make it much more dangerous for pedestrians. In my neighborhood there are stop signs at almost every intersection, you can't travel more than 2 or 3 blocks, sometimes less, without coming across a big red octagon. I attended a neighborhood meeting last year where some residents wanted more stop signs to slow traffic down. I almost lost it.

Just observe the way people drive. When drivers come to a stop, they accelerate quickly as soon as they roll through the stop. Usually they're going much faster after they've made their stop then before.

The other problem I have with all the stop signs in my neighborhood is, because there are so many,drivers totally disregard the signs. I can't tell you how many people don't just roll through an intersection, but blast right through it. It's infuriating to be out walking and watch as car after car ignores the stop signs. It's gotten so bad that I don't think these drivers are even watching out for pedestrians anymore.

As crazy as it sounds, I think the solution to slowing traffic down and making the streets safer for pedestrians may be to pull up a bunch of stop signs.