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Stop signs
A stop sign requires a driver to come to a full stop, and to yield the right-of-way to vehicles and pedestrians in or approaching an intersection. The driver must come to a stop before the stop line, if there is one. If not, the driver must stop before entering the crosswalk.
Here are answers to some common questions we receive about stop signs:
Why can't a stop sign be installed to stop speeding on my street?
Stop signs installed in the wrong places for the wrong purposes usually create more problems than they solve.One common misuse of stop signs is to arbitrarily interrupt traffic, either by causing it to stop or by causing such an inconvenience that motorists are forced to use other routes.
Studies show that there is a high incidence of intentional stop-sign violations when stop signs are installed as "nuisances" or "speed breakers." These studies reveal that although speeds were reduced in the immediate vicinity of the "nuisance" stop sign, speeds were higher between intersections than they would have been if these signs had not been installed.
Nationally recognized standards are employed to determine when and where stop signs should be installed. These standards, or "warrants," take into consideration traffic speed and volume, sight distance, and the frequency of traffic "gaps," which will allow safe vehicle entry or pedestrian crossing. Most drivers are reasonable and prudent. But when confronted with unreasonable restrictions, they frequently violate them and develop a general contempt for all traffic controls—often with tragic results.
Will the installation of a four-way stop at intersections reduce crashes?
Many people believe that installing stop signs on all approaches to an intersection will result in fewer crashes. This is not always the case. Although the crash severity may be lessened, drivers are penalized by the additional delay and higher vehicle operating costs (fuel, brakes, etc.). There is no real evidence to indicate that stop signs decrease the speed of traffic. Impatient drivers view the additional delay caused by unwarranted stop signs as "lost time" to be made up by driving at higher speeds between stop signs. Unwarranted stop signs breed disrespect by motorists who tend to ignore them or slow down without stopping. This again can lead to tragic outcomes.
State law governs the installation of all traffic control devices, including stop signs to meet state standards adopted by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Florida Statutes, Section 316.0745, states: "The Department of Transportation shall adopt a uniform system of traffic control devices for use on the streets and highways of the State." The statutes also state: "All official traffic control signals or official traffic control devices purchased and installed in this State by any public body or official shall conform with the manual and specifications published by the Department of Transportation."
The installation of multi-way stop signs must first meet warrants as specified in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (published by the U.S. Department of Transportation and adopted by FDOT as the state standard for traffic devices). These warrants include traffic volumes, approach speeds, site distance, and crash history. Stop signs should not be viewed as a cure-all for solving all safety concerns.
Why are stop signs placed so high?
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices states that "in business, commercial and residential districts where parking and/or pedestrian movement is likely to occur or where there are other obstructions to view, the clearance to the bottom of the sign shall be at least 7 feet."
The Manual further states that "Signs erected at the side of the road in rural districts shall be mounted at a height of at least 5 feet, measured from the bottom of the sign to the near edge of the pavement."
One major reason for the height of traffic signs is to improve visibility. In urban areas, parked cars and other obstructions often obscure signs that are too low. Also, pedestrians are not likely to collide with properly mounted signs under conditions of reduced visibility (darkness).
In rural areas, bushes and even weeds can block signs that are installed too low. Another reason for installing signs high enough is the improved condition and life of the sign. A sign seven feet above ground is less susceptible to vandalism. It is also less likely to be sprayed with dirt from passing cars. And finally, signs mounted at their correct height have been found to command more respect than those that are too low.