The objectives of this study were to (1) identify the factors that contribute to accidents caused by failure to stop and failure to yield the right-of-way at rural two-way stop-controlled intersections on the state highway system, and (2) determine what traffic control devices or other measures could be effective in reducing the frequency of these accidents. The results of this study (and previous studies) suggest that disregard for Stop signs and other traffic control devices is not the primary cause of accidents at rural two-way stop-controlled intersections. The majority of the accidents appear to be due to drivers who enter the major roadway and do not (or cannot) accelerate quickly enough to avoid being struck by major roadway vehicles. This would suggest that drivers on the minor roadway either did not see oncoming vehicles or failed to accurately estimate the speeds of oncoming vehicles on the major roadway. On the basis of these conclusions, the following general recommendations are put forth for Kansas Department of Transportation consideration: (1) The Department should continue to follow its current signing practices on the minor roadway approaches of rural intersections; (2) In the case of rural two-way stop-controlled intersections where accident histories indicate characteristics similar to those reported in this study, the Department should consider implementing signing treatments directed at reducing the speeds of motorists on the major roadway in the vicinity of the intersection. The treatments evaluated by Lyles (1980) provide a useful starting point for identifying the appropriate treatments. (Author/publisher)
Abstract