A message from Police Chief Jason Cutler:
There has been a lot of attention given to stop signs and “4-Way Stop” intersections recently, with some residents wondering why we don’t have more 4-way stops in Haddonfield.
New Jersey Law & Federal Guidelines bind the Borough of Haddonfield and all municipalities on the installation of traffic control devices. New Jersey Motor Vehicle Code 39:4-183.27 mandates that all municipalities follow the Federal MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) when installing traffic control devices such as stop signs.
Sections 2B:12 through 2B:17 of the MUTCD set forth certain standards or “warrants” that must be met to install “4-Way Stop” signs at a specific intersection. Whenever residents submit requests, or we think there is cause for evaluation based on our own HPD observations and data collection, we carefully review crash data (see table below) and perform traffic surveys. Then, using the MUTCD, I make the determination of whether an intersection meets the standards set forth in the MUTCD to install “4-Way Stop” signs.
If I authorize the placement of a 4-Way Stop without the proper process or evaluation, this presents serious risks to drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. It also places burdens upon our officers and could end up creating very costly liability for taxpayers.
Why?
If stop signs are placed without proper authorization under the MUTCD, they are NOT enforceable. This means we can’t ticket anyone for running them, and our officers may be subject to complaints for unlawful stops.
If an accident occurs at an illegal or unauthorized 4-way stop sign, in the event someone is injured or files a suit for damages arising from that accident, the Borough may be found liable because it didn’t properly install traffic controls.
What can we do together to prevent accidents at ALL intersections?
Don’t drive distracted. Put your phones down. Come to a complete STOP at stop signs. Don’t roll through stop signs. Drive the speed limit, which is 25 mph throughout the Borough. Don’t be an aggressive driver. Give yourself adequate time to commute, and remember your life is more important than being on time. Teach young drivers to obey traffic laws and be alert. Never drive under the influence. Cross at crosswalks and corners. Check for driver visibility and eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street. Wear your seat belt. Properly fit and secure child car seats. If cycling, always wear a helmet.
I hope this explanation of 4-Way stop signage is helpful, and you can understand that there are legitimate, fact-based, and lawful reasons why 4-Way stops have never been installed at these intersections in the past by me or prior chiefs. We continue to work diligently to enforce our traffic laws and ask for your help: obey the traffic laws, especially at STOP signs!
Haddonfield Police Department will continue to monitor traffic conditions on an ongoing basis for future design & enforcement opportunities to ensure overall traffic safety. We also encourage residents to email policeinfo@haddonfield-nj.gov and policeadmin@haddonfield-nj.gov to tell us about your own concerns.
