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TRAFFIC <br />INFORMATION <br />PROGRAM <br />SERIES <br />TQAf FIC <br />SIGN t1 LeS <br />DOES SOMEBODY HAVE TO BE KILLED BEFORE A TRAFFIC SIGNAL <br />WILL BE INSTALLED? <br />Traffic signals don't always prevent accidents. They are not always an asset to traffic <br />control. In some instances, total accidents and severe injuries increased after signals were <br />installed. Usually, in such instances, right angle collisions were reduced by the. traffic <br />signals, but the total number of collisions, especially the rear -end type, increased. <br />There are times when the installation of signals results in an increase in pedestrian <br />accidents. Many pedestrians feel secure with a painted crosswalk and a red light between <br />them and an approaching vehicle. The motorist, on the other hand, is not always so quick <br />to recognize these "barriers." <br />When can a traffic signal be an asset instead of a liability to safety? In order to answer <br />this, traffic engineers have to ask and answer a series of questions: <br />1. Are there so many cars on both streets that signal controls are necessary to <br />clear up the confusion or relieve the congestion? <br />2. Is the traffic on the main street so heavy that drivers on the side street will <br />try to cross when it is unsafe? <br />3. Are there so many pedestrians trying to cross a busy main street that <br />confusing, congested or hazardous conditions result? <br />4. Are there so many school children trying to cross the street at the same <br />time that they need special controls for their protection? If so, is a traffic signal <br />the best solution? <br />5. -Are signals at this location going to help drivers maintain a uniform pace <br />along the route without stopping unnecessarily? <br />