Frequently Asked Questions

The installation of STOP signs is not recommended for speed control, and should not be installed without meeting engineering warrants. STOP signs are seldom installed on high volume streets and are not typically installed unless there are accident problems at intersections, or if the traffic volume of the minor and major streets are approximately equal.

Unwarranted STOP signs unnecessarily increase congestion, commute time, fuel consumption, and noise and air pollution. Unwarranted STOP signs contributes to the disrespect of STOP signs and promotes rolling stops.

Power outages can occur at any time. When a power outage takes place, several blacked out or inoperative intersections can occur. California Vehicle Code 21800(d)(1) states, “The driver of any vehicle approaching an intersection which has official traffic control signals that are inoperative shall stop at the intersection, and may proceed with caution when it is safe to do so.”

These blackouts or inoperative intersections are very dangerous due to the fact that not all people see the blacked out intersection and do not stop. After stopping at these intersections, please proceed with caution.

In California, speed limits are governed by the California Vehicle Code (CVC) 22348 through 22413. The CVC allows local authorities to set speed limits between 25 mph and 55 mph on the basis of an engineering and traffic survey. The engineering and traffic survey determines the 85th percentile speed which is defined as the speed at or below which 85 percent of traffic is moving. Speed limits established on this basis conform to the consensus of those who drive on the roadways as to what speed is reasonable and safe, and are not dependent on the judgment of one or a few individuals.

Some widely held misconceptions are that a lowered speed limit reduces vehicle speed, minimizes accidents, and increases safety. Before and after studies have shown that there are no significant changes in average speeds after new or revised speed limit signs have been posted. Research has also found no direct relationship between posted speed limits and accident frequency.

Posted speed limits which are not based on actual driving behavior encourage intentional violations, do not reduce vehicle speed, and are not enforceable when challenged in court.

An undulation is a rounded device used to reduce vehicle speed and volume on residential streets. Undulations are placed across the road to slow traffic and are often installed in a series of several humps in order to prevent cars from speeding before and after the undulation.

The City of Clovis no longer has an undulation program; residents may still have undulations installed on their streets if they meet the undulation requirements AND can provide a funding source. It should be noted and understood that there are many disadvantages to the installation of undulations such as speeding after and between undulations, increased noise from vehicles with poor suspension going over undulations and items bouncing around truck beds and trunks, increased physical pain for passengers with medical problems, increased pollution from vehicles slowing and accelerating, reduction in emergency response times, and ambulances carrying passengers must slow to almost a stop before crossing a undulation.

California Vehicle Code 275 defines crosswalk as, (a) That portion of a roadway included within the prolongation or connection of the boundary lines of sidewalks at intersection where the intersecting roadways meet at approximately right angles, except the prolongation of such lines from an alley across a street.

(b) Any portion of a roadway distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface.

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, there shall not be a crosswalk where local authorities have placed signs indicating no crossing.

The purpose of a “marked” crosswalk is to encourage pedestrians to use a particular crossing. National studies have shown that marked crosswalks at uncontrolled intersections actually increase the risk to pedestrians crossing the street. In these studies, it was found that pedestrians are given a false sense of security at “marked” crosswalks, and tend to blindly cross the street, trusting the crosswalk to keep them out of harm’s way. As such, it is important that pedestrians remain attentive and cautious of on-coming vehicles on a roadway before crossing a street, regardless of the presence, or lack of, a crosswalk. California Vehicle Code 21950(b) states, “…this section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for his or her safety. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.”

“Children at Play” and similar signs are not approved by the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices as official signs, due to their limited effectiveness. Since these signs, once posted, are present 24-hours a day, seven days a week, regardless of whether or not children are actually present, motorists quickly learn to neglect them, and the signs lose their effectiveness. These signs also create a false sense of security for parents as well as the children who believe the sign will provide an added degree of protection. There is no evidence that these signs prevent accidents or reduce speeds. For these reasons, “Children at Play,” signs are not installed on public streets.

Most importantly, adults are encouraged to talk to children about the dangers associated with playing in or around roadways, and to discourage children from playing in streets.

The answer is NO.

It is against the law. Clovis Municipal Code prohibits signs like these and addresses this issue. For more information please click here.

ROUNDABOUT RULES

1. Slow down. Obey traffic signs.
2. Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists.
3. Yield to traffic on your left already in the roundabout.
4. Enter the roundabout when there is a safe gap in traffic.
5. Keep your speed low within the roundabout.
6. As you approach your exit, turn on your right turn signal.
7. Yield to pedestrians and bicycles as you exit.
8. Bicyclists can either use an entire lane in the roundabout or use the bicycle ramp to the shared use path and dismount and continue through the intersection using the crosswalk as a pedestrian. Pedestrians need to cross with care when there is a gap.

EMERGENCY VEHICLES IN THE ROUNDABOUT

1. If you have not entered the roundabout, pull over and allow emergency vehicles to pass.
2. If you have entered the roundabout, continue to your exit, then pull over and allow emergency vehicles to pass.
3. Avoid stopping in the roundabout.

Quick Links:

1. Modern Roundabouts – A Safer Choice – FHWA Video
2. FAQs from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
3. Safety Summary Sheet from Federal Highway Administration
4. Instructional Animations
5. How to Use a Roundabout by Michigan Department of Transportation Video
6. Pedestrians and Cyclists from Washington State Department of Transportation Video
7. Trucks from Minnesota Department of Transportation Video

Please click here (a pdf will open) to see instructions about how to navigate a roundabout. 

Neighborhood support is key to keeping our streets safe. Educating all roadway users to share the road and to respect the rights of other users will increase the safety of our neighborhoods.

• If you are a driver, respect the right of a pedestrian who is crossing at a marked or unmarked crossing.
• If you are a pedestrian, do not insist on your right of way and don’t put yourself at unnecessary risk. Cross at intersections and use controlled crossings, where possible, on busy streets.
• If you are a bicyclist, remember to wear your helmet and obey all traffic laws.
• As a parent, educate your children about the need for safety when crossing streets or riding a bicycle.
• Pay attention to your driving habits and do not exceed the speed limit.