Would you be happier without STOP signs? 😉


The implementation of STOP signs require a unique evaluation at each intersection.

🛑


There has been a debate, more than a decade-long, on "whether stop signs should be used" or "to what extent". The issue was first introduced to my radar back in 2008, when I saw a paper co-authored by my master's study advisor, Dr. Souleyrette. Yesterday, I came across a video on YouTube discussing various aspects of it.

Below, I put together some quick highlights from the two "reports", hoping to contribute to the dissemination of these considerations.


Thanks to ChatGPT and Gemini for this illustration...



How to Optimize STOP Sign Usage
... for safer and more effective intersections


Guidelines for the Removal of Traffic Control Devices in Rural Areas

by Ryan Tenges and Reginald R. Souleyrette

Presented at the 2005 Mid-Continent Transportation Research Symposium
Ames, Iowa


Problem

Overuse of traffic control devices (especially STOP signs) in low-volume rural areas can reduce driver respect/compliance and create unnecessary maintenance and liability costs.

Key findings

  • At very low-volume intersections (<150 vehicles/day), there is no significant safety difference between stop-controlled and uncontrolled intersections.
  • Excessive STOP sign use does not improve crash performance of roads/intersections.
  • Driver compliance is not significantly influenced by how many STOP signs are used.

Threshold insight

  • At intersections above ~150 vehicles/day, STOP control tends to be safer.
  • Below this threshold, removal of STOP signs can be considered (if sight distance is adequate).

Core implication

Many STOP signs in rural areas are unwarranted or outdated, and their removal may be justified without compromising safety.

Practical contribution

The report provides guidelines and legal/implementation considerations for safely removing unnecessary traffic control devices.


Full paper 🔗


Thanks to ChatGPT and Gemini for this illustration...



The Hidden Cost of Stop Signs
— and smarter alternatives


Stop Signs, a uniquely North American way to make traffic worse

by Ryan Sclar

broadcast on his YouTube channel
TransitWorld


Core idea

Overuse of stop signs in North America makes traffic less efficient and less safe, not more.

Key points

Stop signs are often misused:

  • Installed where they’re not warranted (e.g., low-risk intersections).
  • Used as a “default solution” instead of proper road design.

They disrupt traffic flow:

  • by forcing unnecessary full stops, leading wasted time, fuel, and momentum.
  • by increasing congestion, especially in residential grids.

They lead to non-compliance:

  • Drivers get used to ignoring or rolling through them.
  • This reduces respect for stop signs where they actually matter.

Safety can worsen due to:

  • False sense of security for pedestrians.
  • Inconsistent driver behavior and more unpredictable interactions.

Better alternatives exist

  • Roundabouts
  • Yield signs
  • Traffic calming (narrower roads, raised crossings, etc.)
  • Designing roads to naturally slow drivers instead of forcing stops

Underlying issue: road design philosophy

  • North America relies heavily on sign-based control.
  • Other regions focus more on self-explaining roads.

Takeaway

Good traffic systems rely less on forcing behavior with signs and more on designing streets that naturally guide safe, efficient movement.




Disclaimer

This post may not be used as scientific or practical reference. Please double-check with the cited paper and/or the video.


Acknowledgment

I would like to thank ChatGPT for its assistance in summarizing the information presented in the paper and the video.


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