Signs warning “Stop here on red” are popping up at some of Federal Way’s busiest intersections to make crosswalks safer for pedestrians.
The black-and-white signs are tough to miss with their large arrows aimed at the stop line. That’s the point: To remind drivers to make complete stops at red-light, right-hand turns so they don’t hit pedestrians.
You might also consider it another warning for drivers so they don’t break the law and get caught by one of Federal Way’s red-light cameras.
Cities typically install the “Stop here on red” signs where there is a known problem.
Federal Way is going beyond standard practice and installing the signs in each direction at five intersections, including four crossings along the busy Pacific Highway South corridor, said traffic engineer Rick Perez.
The city is putting up the 20 signs, as well as adding reflective raised pavement markers at the stop lines, as part of a program to improve pedestrian safety. Total cost to the city for the signs, markers and installation is about $9,000.
“It’s part of our being up-front with citizens, trying to gain voluntary compliance,” Federal Way Police Chief Brian J. Wilson said.
Between 2002 and 2008, there were 290 accidents in Federal Way involving cars striking pedestrians, including injury accidents at all of the intersections getting the signs, the city reports. Six pedestrians were killed, though none was at the affected intersections.
The signs also are intended to prevent drivers turning right from colliding with vehicles making U-turns from the intersecting street, Wilson said.
Fife also has the signs at a number of intersections and adds orange flags to catch drivers’ attention. Fife Police Chief Brad Blackburn said the main purpose is to get drivers to stop behind the stop line.
In Federal Way, four intersections along Pacific Highway South were given the signs in each direction. They are South 312th, South 316th, South 320th and South 324th streets.
The signs also are being installed at another of the city’s biggest intersections, South 348th Street and Enchanted Parkway South.
Each of the intersections at 312th, 320th and 348th has at least one red-light camera. Those cameras’ images – after they are reviewed by a commissioned police officer – result in drivers being fined $124 for not coming to a complete stop before turning right on a red light.
The city will evaluate what effect the new signs have on accidents and traffic violations after six months. If the results show the signs are helping, the city might add them at other busy Federal Way intersections.
“We think it will work,” Wilson said.
Steve Maynard: 253-597-8647 steve.maynard@thenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/street
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