|
 One
of the most common requests the Parish receives is
for the installation of stop signs to slow speeders
in neighborhoods.
It seem like an obvious,
inexpensive way to reduce vehicle speeds.
However, what seems to be a perfect solution
actually causes other problems.
When stop signs are used
as "nuisances" or "speed breakers," there is a high
incidence of drivers intentionally ignoring the
sign. When vehicles do stop, the speed
reduction is effective only in the immediate area of
the sign, since a large percentage of motorists then
increase their speed to make up for lost time.
This results in increased mid-block speeding.
For these reasons, we do
not use stop signs as speed control devices.
Instead, they are used to improve safety at
intersections where traffic volumes or accidents
require them.
"Children at Play" signs
A frequent request to
the Parish is for "Children at Play" signs.
Some parents believe that the safety of their
children playing in or near the street can be
enhanced through the installation of "Slow Children"
or "Children at Play" signs.
Traffic studies have
shown that such signs do not cause drivers to slow
and do not reduce pedestrian accidents. In
fact, placement of these signs can increase the
potential for accidents by giving children and
parents a false sense of security.
For these reasons, the
Calcasieu Parish Police Jury does not install these
types of signs, and instead, encourages parents
and/or guardians to find alternative play areas for
children, such as a backyard or local park. |
