Patch Readers Sound Off on Stop Signs in Durham

Durham, CT - 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 Durham 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 Durham better than its residents. Here’s what Patch Readers shared with us about their neighborhood’s intersections:

• "Not a stop sign, but a Right Turn Only sign coming out of the Cozy Corner parking lot. I see so many near accidents by people turning left or turning onto Route 79."
• "I don't think it's possible, but the intersection of Maple Avenue and Route 68 needs something. That intersection terrifies me!"
• "157 and 68 could use a light. There are always accidents at that intersection."
• "I agree. 157 and 68 needs a traffic light. I think it's a very dangerous intersection."
  
• "This is not possible, but 68 and Pent Road scare me daily!"

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