Cross Traffic Signing for Stop Signs

Abstract

Signs warning motorists that traffic on the cross street does not stop can be found at some intersections that are not all-way stop controlled. These “cross traffic” signs have been installed to furnish a special warning where some motorists on the minor approaches may incorrectly assume that the major crossing street also has stop signs. The variety of cross traffic signs in use lack uniformity of message, color, shape, and placement location. A literature review and two surveys were conducted to examine (a) present usage of cross traffic signs, (b) circumstances under which these signs have been installed, (c) studies of the effectiveness of the signs, and (d) future actions. The accident data reviewed offered mixed results about the signs’ effectiveness: at some locations the signs appeared to reduce accident frequencies; at others, accidents continued despite their presence. If the intersections at which these signs have been installed are experiencing right-angle accidents due to a number of different factors, then countermeasures aimed at the right-of-way misperception problem may affect only some of the accidents. Expanded use of the signs could cause drivers to expect them at all two-way stop-controlled situations. More information on the long-term impact of the signs and a study of alternative approaches would help traffic engineers evaluate the desirability of these signs.