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STOP SIGNS
Each year the City of Hillsboro receives many requests for stop signs. The following information explains the correct use of stop signs and states the City’s criteria for installation of stop signs.
Stop signs are intended to help drivers and pedestrians determine who has the right-of-way at an intersection. Intersections not controlled by stop signs are subject to the right-of-way rule that states that a driver, when approaching an uncontrolled intersection, shall look out for and give right-of-way to any driver on the right simultaneously approaching a given point, regardless of which driver first reaches and enters the intersection.
Stop signs are installed to assign right-of-way at intersections where accidents or other data show that the driver observance of the right-of-way rule is not working. Stop signs are also occasionally considered an interim measure to a traffic signal where extreme congestion or multiple accidents have been recorded.
Too many stop signs reduce the effectiveness in observance of right-of-way and control of intersections. Furthermore, installation of stop signs at all intersections would be very expensive. More stop signs in a neighborhood usually result in higher pollution and noise levels from vehicles’ braking and acceleration.
Stop signs are only used at intersecting streets and not at mid-block locations. They are not always effective at reducing vehicle speeds. Studies show that drivers accelerate rapidly after a stop. Within 100 feet of the stop sign they reach their top operating speeds. For speeders, the stop signs do little to slow them down.
Where stop signs are installed as “speed breakers”, there is a high incidence of intentional violation or running the stop sign. Most drivers are reasonable and prudent with no intention of violating traffic regulations. However, when an unreasonable restriction is imposed, it can result in flagrant violations. In these cases, the stop sign creates a false sense of security for pedestrians and motorists. This may result in an increase in accidents.
One of the more difficult aspects of traffic engineering is assessing what effect a new stop sign will have on adjacent streets. Experience shows that a stop sign may affect nearby traffic. Drivers may seek new routes to avoid the stop sign, thereby causing traffic problems in new areas. Another problem that can occur is an increase in speeds on the approaches to an intersection that are not required to stop. This is due to a false sense of increased safety at the intersection.
Signing decisions are made by the City Engineer based on a detailed traffic study that takes into account traffic volume, intersection configuration, speeds, crash history and associated City adopted guidelines/best practices. Stop signs are installed at an intersection only after a careful engineering evaluation of the existing conditions indicates that their installation is appropriate. Often simply improving the intersection visibility by trimming trees and bushes in the right-of-way and/or restricting parking is more effective in improving intersection safety.
The City of Hillsboro observes federal guidelines outlined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for stop sign applications.
STOP signs should not be used unless engineering judgement indicates that one or more of the following conditions exist:
A. Intersection of a less important road with a main road where application of the normal right-of-way rule would not be expected to provide reasonable safe operation.
B. Street entering a through highway or street.
C. Unsignalized intersection in a signalized area.
D. High speeds, restricted view, or crash records indicate a need for control by the STOP sign.
If you believe your street might benefit from a
stop sign, please review the criteria and contact
the City Engineer with your traffic concerns. Outline
your concerns and requests in writing and send to
the Engineering Division, Public Works Department
150 E Main Street, 4th Floor.
Please include the following in your letter to assist
us:
- Your name
- Your address
- A daytime phone number
- A fax number if available
- An email address if available
The City carefully evaluates most requests. However, because we receive many requests each year, we cannot always investigate your request as quickly as we would like to. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
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