Traffic author Tom Vanderbilt writes about the modern stop sign. Vanderbilt describes the stop sign’s origins, its failures, and a few proposed alternatives. One alternative (“Drivers Alert”) “attaches a secondary stop sign to the back of the stop sign across the intersection, giving the driver two chances to see the sign. It also graphically advises whether cross traffic is meant to stop or not.” Another alternative would read “Take Turns,” and tell drivers: “If cars are waiting please stop and alternate.” Readers, any ideas for making the stop sign more effective? [%comments]
How to Improve the Stop Sign?
TAGS: transportation
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How about no stop signs? Didn’t he cover that in the book. Design the roads such that you’re never sure who has the right of way, so you stop.
How about cameras with major fines for violators. We’re here trying to balance the budget while drivers risk pedestrian lives by often ignoring traffic rules. Lets squeeze reckless drivers for cash.
Pretty sure this is why we have driver education.
Put people to work standing in the intersections with white gloves on, and directing traffic flow.
Indeed I do: TRAIN DRIVERS. The fault with bad traffic lies not with signage, but with driver training.
In Germany, drivers are trained extensively. In many residential neighborhoods, there are 4-way intersections with (I kid you not) NO SIGNS AT ALL. People are expected to know the rules of the road, and follow them. Period.
The rule is “right before left”: so when you are at an intersection with no sign (even side roads!) you must yield to the person to the right of you. Meaning people can pull out in front of you unless signs indicate right of way.
Elegant, no? The best sign is none at all – just personally responsibility.
Maybe we could stop catering to the lowest common denominator?
Kevin @ 1 is right. Here is proof: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RavLjmWdMK4
Stop signs seem to have become optional. I think we needs signs that launch little drone planes with missiles to blow up cars that run stop signs or don’t take their turn in order.
Carmel Indiana has converted most four ways to roundabouts. Eliminates some of the problems of people that cannot figure out those complex four way stops. Al tough the roundabouts are still to complex for some.