Increase Visibility of Stop Signs: Use of Larger Stop Signs
To increase conspicuity of stop signs, a larger size of stop sign than recommended may be used.
Description
As noted by Atkinson et al. (2014), a high number of crashes relate to the driver’s inability or failure to see the stop sign at stop-controlled intersections. In order to increase conspicuity of stop signs, a larger size of stop sign than recommended may be used.
Placement
Use of a larger stop sign is covered in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) (FHWA 2009) under Section 2B.03 Size of Regulatory Signs.
Effectiveness
The MUTCD (2009) indicated a crash reduction factor of 19% for all crashes with installation of a larger stop sign.
Advantages
- Low cost
- May be able to use existing sign post
- May be particularly advantageous for older drivers
Disadvantages
- Drivers may not be able to distinguish increased size
References
Amparano, Gene, and David A. Morena. Senior Mobility Series: Article 4 Marking the Way to Greater Safety. Public Roads. Volume 70, No. 1. July/August 2006.
Atkinson, Jennifer E., Brian E. Chandler, Vernon Betkey, Karen Weiss, Karen Dixon, Anna Giragosian, Kelly Donoughe, and Cara O’Donnell. Manual for Selecting Safety Improvements on High Risk Rural Roads. Report FHWA-SA-14-075. Federal Highway Administration, 2014.
FHWA. Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD). U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Washington, DC, 2009.