General Requests:
Speed Control
Each year, the City receives many inquiries about installing stop signs as a way to reduce speeding. However, research shows that other measures are often more effective than adding more stop signs. Stop signs are used to assign right-of-way at an intersection, not to control speeding.
Public understanding of the function of stop signs is one of the most critical elements in reducing speeding and traffic accidents.
Stop Sign
Stop signs are installed at an intersection only after a careful engineering evaluation of the existing conditions indicates that their installation is appropriate.
Our experience has shown that simply improving the intersection visibility by prohibiting parking near the intersection is often more effective in reducing traffic accidents. This often reduces the need to install more restrictive intersection controls. Overuse of stop signs reduces their effectiveness. If installed where not justified, many drivers tend to speed up between stop sign controlled intersections rather than slow down, and some ignore them.
Citizen Concern
The City takes our role in solving traffic problems very seriously, yet the ultimate burden of safety rests with you, the motorist in Davis. Since we receive over 100 citizen requests per year, we cannot always investigate your request as quickly as we would like to. However, we will respond after carefully evaluating your request. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Installation Policies
The Federal "Uniform Traffic Control Devices Manual" dictates the size, shape and color of all traffic signs. This manual has guidelines for installing signs and thus creates uniformity from state to state. The State of California has a similar "Traffic Manual" which is in compliance with the Federal Manual.
The City of Davis is required by State law to comply with the guidelines of the State Traffic Manual. In addition, the City has adopted policies for installation of stop signs. These policies identify specific traffic and pedestrian volumes, accident history, and any unusual conditions which must be present at the intersection before stop signs may be installed.
