Patch Readers Sound Off on Stop Signs in Novato

NOVATO, CA - If you’ve noticed an intersection in your neighborhood that could use a stop sign, you’re not alone.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says that one-third of all intersection crashes in the United States occur at crossings controlled by stop signs. While they aren’t a perfect solution to dangerous intersections, studies have shown that installing all-way signs can reduce accidents by 40 to 60 percent.

When we asked Patch Readers in Novato where they wanted to see a stop sign, some asked for stoplights while others just requested that drivers stop at the signs that are already in place. That’s not too much to ask according to a report from the Federal Highway Administration that showed the simple, and cheap, addition of “Stop Ahead” wording on roadways reduced accidents at controlled intersections by 15 percent.

We realize that no one knows the roads in Novato better than its residents. Here’s what Patch Readers shared with us about their neighborhood’s intersections:

• "Arthur at Indian Valley Road"

• "South Novato at Yukon"

• "Stop LIGHT needed at San Marin Drive and Simmons Lane"

• "I agree! I cross the intersection almost every day with my dogs and almost every day I am close to getting hit by a car. It is a very dangerous intersection."

• "Also stop light at the school because too many new drivers have no idea who gets the right away"

• "Add another at Galli and Digital Dr. Needs a crosswalk as well."

• "Grant at Grazie restaurant. Half the cars stop already - it needs it so bad, I am not kidding. Seen many a pedestrian come close to getting hit."

Is there a dangerous intersection on your block that didn’t make the list? Share it with us on our Novato Patch Facebook page or in the comments below.