HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-01-09; Traffic Safety Commission; ; Create a 3-way STOP controlled intersection on Pontiac Drive at Victoria Avenue and a 4-way STOP at Spokane Avenue.TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
COMMISSION REPORT OF: January 9, 1989
(Continued)
ITEM NO. 6A
The purpo se of a STOP sign is to control the assignment of right-of-way
at an intersection. Properly installed, STOP signs can facilitate the
orderly movement of traffic and promote traffic safety. Traffic
engineering research has indicated that unwarranted STOP signs can result
in an increase in certain types of accidents, such as rear-end accidents,
at the unwarranted location.
An intersection can be considered for an all-way STOP condition when the
traffic volumes on all legs of the intersection are approximately equal.
A review of the included volume data for the two subject intersections
indicates very low volumes on the minor intersecting street and
disproportionately higher-volumes on Pontiac Drive. STOP signs should be
installed only where traffic conditions are such that the signs are
necessary. Once the STOP sign seems to imply a nuisance regulation,
observance begins to deteriorate and safety at other locations where STOP
signs are vitally needed becomes compromised.
RECOMMENDATION:
Based upon the low entering volumes and excellent accident record at the
two intersections, the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee recommends
that the request to create a 3-way STOP controlled intersection at Victoria
Avenue be denied and the request for a four -way STOP controlled
intersection at Spokane Avenue also be denied. The TSCC recommends that
double yellow centerline striping be placed on Pontiac Drive and that speed
limit pavement legends be installed adjacent to the speed limit signs.
NECESSARY CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
No City Counc i1 action required un 1 ess STOP signs are recommended for
i nsta 11 at ion.
PONTIAC DRIVE AT VICTORIA AVENUE
STOP SIGN WARRANT ANALYSIS
Count Conducted September 13-14, 1988
Critical Speed= 38mph
Hourly
Time NB SB WB Total
0000-0100 6 7 1 14
0100-0200 1 2 1 4
0200-0300 2 5 2 9
0300-0400 1 2 1 4
0400-0500 4 3 6 13
0500-0600 16 11 7 34
0600-0700 45 31 36 112
0700-0800 85 74 58 217
0800-0900 75 74 59 208
0900-1000 73 43 32 148
1000-1100 64 41 25 130
1100-1200 63 72 29 164
1200-1300 84 83 17 184
1300-1400 68 69 43 180
1400-1500 92 125 79 296
1500-1600 84 122 62 268
1600-1700 83 89 44 216
1700-1800 124 131 47 302
1800-1900 100 111 50 261
1900-2000 80 97 22 199
2000-2100 43 67 13 123
2100-2200 22 56 15 93
2200-2300 23 26 7 56
2300-2400 _l1 _u -1 29
Daily Total 1250 1345 660
Reported Intersection Traffic 1988 1987 1986
Collisions 0 0 0
Pontiac Drive -North/South Street
Victoria Avenue -East/West Street
PONTIAC DRIVE AT SPOKANE AVENUE
STOP SIGN WARRANT ANALYSIS
Count Conducted -December 19,
Time NB SB
0000-0100 3 5
0100-0200 2 6
0200-0300 3 3
0300-0400 1 1
0400-0500 8 5
0500-0600 32 8
0600 -0700 67 15
0700-0800 102 48
0800-0900 104 54
0900-1000 78 49
1000-1100 95 63
1100-1200 75 70
1200-1300 62 90
1300-1400 77 71
1400-1500 109 95
1500-1600 107 110
1600-1700 84 139
1700-1800 99 130
1800-1900 79 119
1900-2000 51 78
2000-2100 32 90
2100-2200 27 70
2200-2300 15 38
2300-2400 __ 4 _____ll
Daily Total 1,316 1,371
Reported Intersection Traffic
Collisions
Pontiac Drive -North/South Street
Spokane Avenue -East/West Street
1988
0
EB
0
0
0
0
1
2
6
10
10
3
4
6
7
6
11
10
8
7
7
4
2
1
0
---1
108
1988
WB
1
1
3
1
0
6
7
17
31
19
8
12
6
15
15
12
12
15
10
5
9
3
0
_2
210
1987
0
Hourly
Total
9
9
9
3
14
48
95
177
199
149
170
163
165
169
230
239
243
251
215
138
133
101
53
23
1986
1
Traffic Manual
R1
Standard 30"
R1-3
am
Standard 12" x 6"
R1-4
Standard 18" x 6"
SIGNS
POLICY
Stop Signs and Yield Signs
• Stop Signs
4-37
3-1987
The STOP sign (R1) shall be used where traffic
is required to stop except at signalized intersections.
The STOP sign shall be an octagon with white mes-
sage and border on a red background. The standard
size shall be 30 x 30 inches. Where greater emphasis
or visibility Is required, a larger size is recommended.
On local streets and secondary roads with low a~
proach speeds and low volume, a 24 x 24 inch size
may be used.
At a multiway stop intersection, a supplemental plate
(R1 •3 or R1 •4) should be mounted just below each
STOP sign.
The numeral on the supplementary plate shall corres-
pond to the number of approach legs, or the legend
ALL-WAY (R1·4) may be used. The plate shall have
white letters on a red background.
A red flashing beacon or beacons may be used in
conjunction with a STOP sign. See Section 9·08
(Flashng Beacons).
Secondary messages shall not be used on STOP sign
faces.
• Warrants for STOP Signs
Because the STOP sign causes a substantial incon-
venience to motorists, it should be used only where
warranted. A STOP sign may be warranted at an inter-
section where one or more of the following con-
ditions exist:
1. On the less important road at its intersection with
a main road where application of the normal right
of way rule is unduly hazardous as evidenced by
accidents susceptible to correction by STOP
signs.
2. On a county road or city street at its intersection
with a state highway.
3. At the intersection of two main highways. The
highway traffic to be stopped depends on a~
proach speeds, volumes, and turning movements.
4. On a street entering a legally established through
highway or street.
5. On a minor street where the safe approach speed
to the intersection is less than 1 O miles per hour.
6. At an unsignalized intersection in a signal·
ized area.
7. At other intersections where a combination of high
speed, restricted view, and accident record indi·
cates a need for control by the STOP sign.
4-38
3-1987
SIGNS Traffic Manual
POLICY
A STOP sign Is not a "cure-all'' and Is not a substitute
for other traffic control devices. Many times the need
for a STOP sign can be eliminated If the sight distance
Is Increased by remolling the obstructions.
STOP signs shall not be erected at any entrance to an
intersection when such entrance Is controlled by an
official traffic control signal, nor at any railroad grade
crossing which is controlled by automatic signals,
gates, or other-train-actuated control devices except
as provided in eve 21355, Stop Signs. The conflicting
commands of two types of control devices are con-
fusing. If traffic is required to stop when the operation
of the stop-and-go signals Is not warranted, the signals
should be put on flashing operation with the red flashing
light facing the traffic that must stop.
Where two main highways Intersect, the STOP sign or
signs should normally be posted on the minor street to
stop the lesser flow of traffic. Traffic engineering studies,
however, may justify a decision to install a STOP sign or
signs on the major street, as at a three-way intersection
where safety considerations may justify stopping the
greater flow of traffic to permit a left-turning movement.
STOP signs should not be Installed Indiscriminately at
all unprotected rallroad crossings. The allowance of
STOP signs at all such crossings would eventually breed
contempt for both law enforcement, and obedience to
the sign's command to stop. STOP signs may only be
used at selected rail/highway grade crossings after
their need has been determined by a traffic engineering
study. Such study should consider approach speeds,
sight distance restrictions, volumes, accident records,
etc. This application of STOP signs should be an interim
use period during which plans for lights, gates or other
means of control are being prepared.
Portable or part-time STOP signs shall not be used except
for emergency purposes. Also, STOP signs should not be
used for speed control.
• Multlway STOP signs
The "Multlway Stop" installation may be useful at some
locations. It should ordinarily be used only where
the volume of traffic on the intersecting roads is approx-
imately equal. A traffic control signal Is more satisfactory
for an Intersection with a heavy volume of traffic.
Traffic Manual
R1-2
V
Standard 36"
SIGNS 4-39
3-1987
POLICY
Any of the following conditions may warrant a multi-
way STOP sign installation:
1. Where traffic signals are warranted and urgently
needed, the multlway stop may be an interim
measure that can be installed quickly to control
traffic while arrangements are being made for
the signal installations.
2. An accident problem, as indicated by five or more
reported accidents within a 12 month period of
a type susceptible to correction by a multiway
stop installation. Such accidents include right-
and left-turn collisions as well as right-angle
collisions.
3. Minimum traffic volumes
(a) The total vehicular volume entering the Inter-
section from all approaches must average at
least 500 vehicles per hour for any 8 hours of
an average day, and
(b) The combined vehicular and pedestrian
volume from the minor street or highway must
average at least 200 units per hour for the
same 8 hours, with an average delay to minor
street vehicular traffic of at least 30 seconds
per vehicle during the maximum hour, but
(c) When the 85-percentlle approach speed of
the major street traffic exceeds 40 miles per
hour, the minimum vehicular volume warrant
is 70 percent of the above requirements.
e Yield Signs
The YI ELD sign (R1 -2) assigns right of way to traffic
on certain approaches to an Intersection. Vehicles
controlled by a YIELD sign need stop only when nec-
essary to avoid interference with other traffic that
is given the right of way.
The YIELD sign shall be a downward pointing, equi-
lateral triangle having a red border band and a white
interior and the word YIELD in red inside the border
band. The standard size shall be 36 x 36 x 36 inches.
• Warrants for YIELD Signs
The YIELD sign may be warranted:
1. On a minor road at the entrance to an intersection
where it is necessary to assign right of way to the
major road, but where a stop is not necessary
at all times, and where the safe approach speed
on the minor road exceeds 1 O miles per hour.
2. On the entrance ramp to an expressway where an
acceleration lane is not provided.
JAf~ ~ 1988
CITY Of CA'"ILSBAD
tNGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Traffic Safety Commission
2075 Las Palmas Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92009
December 30, 1988
3609 Laredo Street
Carlsbad, CA 92008
PROPOSED STOP SIGNS ON PONTIAC DRI VE
We are residents of the Carlsbad Heights neighborhood
near Pontiac Drive. We strongly object to the proposal to
install stop signs on Pontiac Drive at Spokane and Vi ctoria
Avenues.
These two intersections are very low in traffic volume
and there have been no acci dents at either for at least a
year. Stop signs at these locations are not warranted!
As the Commission knows, stop signs can cause an
increase in rear-end accidents and therefore should be used
where that is offset by a potential reduction in mo re severe
accidents. Stop signs should not be used for speed control.
The arbitrary interruption of traffic usual l y results in a
high incidence of intentional violation. Please revi ew the
Institute of Transportation Engineers i nformation attached.
You should
intersection like
to be placed on a
mid-block! This
by parked cars.
also be aware that, at a three-way
Victoria, one of the stop signs would have
street without an intersection--esentially
sign will not be expected and may be hidden
This would be a real hazard.
We trust the Commission will conclude
signs should not be instal led. We also
that we--along with our neighbors--strongly
signs on Pontiac Drive.
that these stop
wish you to know
oppose any stop
Thank y o u for your consideration of our r equest.
Sincerel y , ~~~
Mr. ~ Mrs. Richard Allen
TRAFFIC
I NFORHATION
PRoGRAN
SERIES·
OTOP0IGN0 ' •
WHY DON'T THEY PUT IN MORE STOP SlGNS?
A stop sign is one of our ·most valuable and effective control devices when used at the
right place and under the right conditions. It is intended to help drivers and pedestrians at
an intersection decide who has the right-of-way.
One common misuse of stop signs is to arbitrarily interrupt through traffic. ·either by
causing it to stop, or b·y causing such an inconvenience as to force tha traffic to use other
routes. Where stop signs are installed as "nuisances" or "speed breakers," there is a high ·
incidence of intentional violation. In those locations where vehicles do stop, the speed ·~
reduction is_ effective only in the immediate vicinity of the stop sign, and ·frequently
speeds are actually higher between intersections. For these reasons, it should not be us~
as a speed control device.
A school crossing may look dangerous for children to · us~, causing parents to demand a
stop sign to halt traffic. Now a vehicle which had been a problem lor 3 seconds while
approaching and passing the intersection becomes a problem for a_ rhuch longer period.
A situation of indecision is created as to when to cross as a pedestrian or when to start as
a motorist. Normal gaps in traffic through which crossings could pe made safely no longer
exist. An intersection which previously was not busy now looks'like a major intersection.
It really isn't -it just looks like it. It doesn't even look safer and it usuaiiy isn't. •
Mo~t drivers are reasonable erid prudent with no intention of maliciously violating traffic
· regulations; however, when an unreasonable restriction is imposed, it may result in
flagrant violat ions. In such cases, the stop sign can create a false sense of security in a
'pedestrian and an attitude of contempt in a motorist. These two attitudes can and ohen
do conflict with tragic results.
Well-developed, nationally recognized guidelines help to indicate when such controls
become necessary. These guidelines take into consideration, among other things, the
probability of vehicle:; :;:-riving at an intersection at the same time, the length of time
traffic must wait to enter, and the availability of safe crossing opportunities.
IM/1-77
<:-,_ ••• ,-,,.~.., r ,,1 i fornia Section
•
JAN 4 1988
cnv Of CARtS AD
tNGIN E IN t..~? TM:tff
Traffic Safety Commission
2075 Las Palmas Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92009
STOP SIGNS ON PONTIAC DRIVE
~611 /l,,A1vclffl11..L sr.
C.:,/f'~LS ,!?~p/ c,,4, ~~cJf
-;J>-f /V' If /1-/t Y ~ I 7 tf?
:t AJI "1;1 resident : of the Carlsbad Hei9hts r,ei9hborhood
near Pontiac Drive. s ~ object to the proposal to install
stop si9ns on Pontiac Drive at Victoria Avenue and Spokane
Avenue.
There have been no accidents at these intersections in
the past year and traffic: voleumes are very low. Stop signs
would be totally unwarranted and may even cause rear-end
accidents.
Some residents along Pontiac Drive may be concerned
about speeding, but stop signs are not the answer. They
will onl y breed disrespect for traffic control devices and
may even be deliberately violated.
r wish to 90 on record as opposing any stop sigr,s on
Pontiac Drive.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerel y ,