A.  Stop signs are installed when there is a right-of-way conflict at an intersection. All-way stop signs can be warranted if both major and minor street traffic passes a certain vehicular threshold, if an intersection has a history of correctable traffic collisions, or if the intersection has a significant number of automobile-pedestrian conflicts. Stop signs are not installed to slow down speeding vehicles. An unwarranted stop sign can lead to intentional violations by impatient motorists who may actually speed even more between intersections.  It also poses increased safety issues.

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Q.  How do I get a crosswalk on my street?

A.  Crosswalks exist at all intersections whether they are marked or not. Crosswalks are marked only where necessary for the guidance of pedestrians to direct them to the safest of several potential routes. Studies have shown there is a higher accident rate within marked crosswalks than there is within an unmarked crosswalk. This is due to the fact that pedestrians tend to have a false sense of security within marked crosswalks in believing motorists will automatically yield the right-of-way to them.

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Q.  How is the speed limit set?

A.  Speed limits are set based on traffic engineering surveys, which include an analysis of roadway conditions, accident history, and the prevailing speed of prudent drivers. When speed limits are set too low for conditions, some drivers will adhere while others will simply ignore the limit, causing a greater number of conflicts between the slower and faster drivers while reducing the number of gaps with which crossings can be made by side-street traffic and pedestrians.

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Q.  How do I obtain average daily traffic counts for major streets?

A.  Visit our traffic counts page. 

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