Feel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local issues not yet discussed here over the past week.
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Question about the merge of Church Street and Scott Blvd. when exiting Decatur. There is a sign at that intersection that says “Stop Here on Red.” However, there is not a sign that says “No Right on Red.” I have seen cars do both – wait until the light is green or turn right to merge onto Scott when there is no oncoming traffic.
I think that a right on red there is allowed and sure wish that it was clearer for drivers because not turning right causes a lot of potentially unnecessary backups. I think the “Stop Here on Red” sign is confusing….don’t you always stop at the big white line on red?
What say you?
“That’s the first sign you know you’re a Libertarian. You see the red light. You stop. You realize that there’s not a car in sight. And you put your foot on the gas.”
-Gary Johnson (though I would question that he is one…)
i interpret those signs as indicating where you are to stop when the light is red. i don’t take them to mean that a right on red is not allowed, just that you stop there when the light is red, and wait until either the light is green or you can safely make a right on red. if they didn’t want you to turn on red they would put a sign that read ‘no right on red’, like at dekalb industrial and dekalb industrial.
I disagree. By that interpretation, the sign becomes irrelevant (as that is the rule anyway). I think it should be read to have meaning. Perhaps it means the same as “no right on red”, but the County does not consider it a right turn since it is a merging situation.
The “stop here on red” sign could still have relevance – telling drivers not to block the intersection through the course of a light cycle. Drivers are terrible about pulling out into an intersection on a green light even though they won’t make it through the intersection before the light turns red, thus they sit in the middle of road blocking traffic both ways (one of my true pet peeves).
I totally agree with ant1 but understand why the “stop here” causes confusion. That confusion, though, is causing completely unnecessary stoppages at times (IMO).
But again, your justification simply makes the sign redundant — it is already illegal to block an intersection. Why does this intersection need such a sign any more than say Clairemont/Commerce?
I agree with both you and ant1 that those might be effects of having the sign there (reminding people to actually stop and not proceed into the intersection), but if those were the intended reasons for placing the sign there, then shouldn’t every intersection have such a sign? (They, in fact, do — in the form of the white “stop” stripe.)
FYI — I fully recognize that I’m being a bit too pedantic about this. 😉
I hear you. It’s confusing for sure. A few articles I found that address this. Both of these support a right turn on red when only a “stop here” sign is present. And, the Orlando article specifically addresses a merging lane example. I sure wish it was more clear – there are plenty of opportunities to improve traffic flow if a right turn is permitted.
http://jameystegmaier.com/2010/07/how-to-read-a-road-sign/
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2005-02-28/news/0502280160_1_sonny-liston-state-road-red
i’ve seen them in other places, can’t think of where right now, that weren’t as merge-y as this one. i think those signs are used when there might be confusion or uncertainty as to where to stop. for example, if there is a pedestrian or bikepath crossing parallel to the perpendicular road , cars would need to stop a ways back from the intersection to not block the path of non-motorists, or if there are train tracks to not stop on, or if stopping right at the intersection would make it difficult for large trucks or buses coming from your right to turn in the direction you came from.
not sure why they put that sign at that intersection, maybe people were (incorrectly) treating the light as a yield sign and needed reminding to stop.
I believe its because the nature of that intersection prevents the stoplights from being hung far enough out in front to be easily seen. If you go past the stripe you can’t see the light change.
(I take no position on whether right on red is okay there. I usually just wait.)
I think these are more compelling reasons. Good chat!
I’m really enjoying my Radio Roasters rotating coffee subscription, which I’ve had for about 4-5 months now. Great coffee and free local delivery too.
I’m considering the assortment box as Christmas gifts for a few out of town friends and relatives.
For all you robot/robotics/technogeek enthusiasts looking for something to do tomorrow with elementary age younguns, I invite you to check out First Lego League competitions our Decatur school kids are participating in. Renfroe and FAVE kids make up 11 teams, or about 110 kids participating in FLL and STEM. The two events tomorrow are at Grady High School and Tucker High School, from 9 to 4.
We tried out Kroger’s Clicklist the other day. Two sick kids and trying to get ready for the holidays seemed like the right time to try it. It was so convenient and awesome.
Hi Decatur – I’m in the market for a new dentist. I’ve been with Great Expressions for a few years, and I’m done with them. Any recommendations?
Marvin Winter
Mark Hastings, 755 Commerce Dr # 901, Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 378-3083
Dr. Thomas Price
https://local.demandforce.com/b/thomasjpricedds
Looking for a recommendation for a lawn service. I don’t want or need a long term contract – just someone who may be available when needed, like now.