Traffic Safety and Operations

Safety

Traffic Engineering works on projects and programs to improve the traffic safety of the streets in the city.  Changes initiated by the Traffic Engineering Section are the result of studies to determine if a situation meets a set of standards called "warrants." 

These warrants have been established by state and federal guidelines through years of engineering practice to provide uniform guidelines. If a particular circumstance meets the criteria, the guidelines are followed to eliminate a potential safety hazard.

To help manage the City's traffic system, Public Works uses a centrally controlled, high-tech communication network of computers, modems, video cameras, and fiber optic cable that connects traffic signals throughout the city.

The Stockton Traffic Management System communication network is used to modify signal timing, provide real-time traffic conditions and coordinate communication between signals across the city.  Video cameras installed at traffic signals are monitored as part of the signal timing process.

Additionally, Public Works coordinates with the Police Department on traffic safety issues. Traffic Engineering assists with all developments and reviews construction area traffic control plans.

Operations

The Public Works Traffic Engineering Division is responsible for programming approximately 284 traffic signals in the City of Stockton.  View the map of the City's Traffic Management System Fiber Optic Network.

The City has two types of traffic signals:  fixed-time signals and traffic-actuated signals.  Fixed-time signals are set for average conditions and change at predetermined time intervals.  Traffic-actuated signals detect vehicles, including bicycles, and adjust the timing to optimize traffic flow at the intersection.

Major streets, with several traffic signals spaced at periodic intervals, the traffic signals are synchronized to provide coordinated movement along the major street.

• Vehicular and pedestrian traffic volumes;
• The need to provide interruption to the flow of traffic on major streets for side street vehicles and pedestrians;
• Special conditions such as curves;
• Collision history of the intersection.

If a traffic signal is dark, where all lights are out, a red light is out, the signal is in a red flash mode, or the pedestrian crossing lights are out, it is an emergency situation and should be reported immediately to the Municipal Service Center.

Signs & Markings

Federal and State guidelines, detailed in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, dictate the size, shape, and color of all traffic signs and pavement markings. This manual also provides guidelines for installing signs and markings and creates uniformity from state to state.

The City of Stockton Public Works Department Traffic Engineering Division is responsible for studying and approving installations of all the signs and markings within the city of Stockton.

Signs

The City is required by State law to comply with the guidelines of the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. These policies identify specific traffic and pedestrian volumes, collision history, and any unusual conditions which must be present in the roadway before these traffic control devices may be installed, including stop signs.

Pavement Markings

Lines, symbols, and words are often painted on a roadway to help direct drivers and control traffic flow. Pavement markings are a critical element to guide roadway users and optimize roadway efficiency, both in daylight and at night. 

When you share the public roadways and facilities, you must understand and obey different lines and colors just as you would traffic signs or signals.

Bikes & Pedestrians

Many bicyclists ride on the road.  It is extremely important that both bicyclists and motor vehicle drivers understand the rules that make for safe use of the road.  Traffic Engineering follows the Stockton Bicycle Master Plan when implementing bicycle facilities.

Pedestrian Signals and High-Intensity Activated Pedestrian Crosswalk (HAWK)

• A high volume of foot traffic at an intersection, and
• Signals directing motorists don't meet the needs of pedestrians.

For example, some intersections are laid out at odd angles, and traffic signals cannot be seen by pedestrians.  In other cases, turning and merging lanes make intersections so complex that special provisions must be made for pedestrians.

If existing traffic signals meet the needs of pedestrians - the signals are easy to see and provide plenty of time to cross safely - there is no need for pedestrian signals.  However, it is generally the policy of the City to install pedestrian signals at all traffic signals where pedestrians are permitted to cross the street.

Pedestrian Safety

• Look both ways before crossing
• Watch for turning vehicles
• Watch for cars that don't stop
• Look before stepping past stopped vehicles
• Be alert and keep watching for cars as you cross
• Cross the street as quickly and as safely as possible
• Cross intersections defensively, motorists may not see you

Crosswalks

Under the California Vehicle Code, crosswalks exist at all public intersections where there is a sidewalk on at least one side of the street or where any portion of a roadway is designated for pedestrian crossing by painted lines or other markings.

A marked crosswalk is any crosswalk which is delineated by white or yellow painted markings placed on the pavement.  All other crosswalk locations are "unmarked."

Marked Crosswalks

Marked crosswalks help pedestrians find their way across complex intersections, designate the shortest path, and direct pedestrians to locations of best sight distance.

At controlled intersections, which are intersections with traffic signals or stop signs, the City's current policy is to install marked crosswalks where there is a demonstrated need.  Marked crosswalks may be considered at intersections where there is substantial conflict between vehicle and pedestrian movements, where significant pedestrian concentrations occur, and where pedestrians could not otherwise recognize the proper place to cross.

Crosswalk Safety

Studies have found that a high rate of crashes involving pedestrians occurred at uncontrolled locations with marked crosswalks than at unmarked crosswalks. The most recent research conducted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in 2002 found that on two-lane roads, the pedestrian crash rate was the same for marked and unmarked crosswalks.  On multi-lane roads with higher traffic volumes, marked crosswalks had a higher pedestrian crash rate than unmarked crosswalks.  Pedestrians tend to have a false sense of security at marked crosswalks and cross with less caution compared to unmarked crosswalks.

School Crosswalks

When a marked crosswalk has been established adjacent to a school building or school grounds, it is painted yellow.  Other established marked crosswalks may be painted yellow if the nearest point of the crosswalk is not more than 600 feet from a school building or grounds.  Marked crosswalks may be installed at an uncontrolled location adjacent to a school if the school commits to providing an adult crossing guard at the crosswalk.

Speed Zoning

Speed zones are often taken for granted. Until a problem arises, most people pay little attention to the reason or need for the posted speed limit.  The following information will help you understand how speed zones are established and their purpose.

Speed Zone Misconceptions

When traffic problems occur, concerned citizens frequently ask why we don't lower the speed limit.  There are widely held misconceptions that speed limit signs will slow the speed of traffic, reduce collisions, and increase safety.  Most drivers drive at a speed that they consider comfortable, regardless of the posted speed limit.  Studies have shown that there are no significant changes in average vehicle speeds following the posting of a new or revised speed limit. Research has demonstrated that there is no direct relationship between posted speed limits and collision frequency.

Speed Laws

All fifty states base their speed regulations on the Basic Speed Law:  "No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property."

Under California law, the maximum speed limit in urban areas is 55 mph on highways not more than two lanes in width and 65 mph on highways three or more lanes in width.  All other speed limits are called prima facie limits, which are considered by law to be safe and prudent under normal conditions.  Certain prima facie limits are established by state law and include the 25-mph speed limit in business and residential districts, 25 mph in school zones when children are present, and the 15-mph speed limit in alleys and at intersections and railroad crossings where visibility is very limited.  These speed limits do not need to be posted to be enforced.

Speed limits between 25 and 55 mph are established on the basis of traffic engineering surveys.  These surveys include an analysis of roadway conditions, collision records, and a sampling of the prevailing speed of traffic.  A safe and reasonable limit is set at or below the speed of 85% of the drivers.

Traffic flowing at uniform speed results in increased safety and fewer collisions.  Drivers are less impatient, pass less often, and tailgate less, which reduces both head-on and rear-end collisions.

The posting of the appropriate speed limit simplifies the job of enforcement officers since most of the traffic is voluntarily moving at the posted speed.  Blatant speeders are easily spotted, safe drivers are not penalized, and patrol officers aren't asked to enforce and defend unrealistic and arbitrary speed limits.

California Vehicle Code - VEH (ca.gov)

Traffic Data

The City of Stockton collects traffic volumes, Average Daily Traffic (ADT), from street segments to track the number of vehicles traveling on that particular street.  ADTs are used in traffic studies and in forecasting needs for street maintenance and future improvements.

City of Stockton Traffic Volume Map

Truck Routes

Trucks and commercial vehicles provide goods and essential services to residents every day.  The City's diverse mixture of land, dense urban environment, and vast transportation infrastructure, require a distinct set of rules and regulations to govern the operation of trucks and commercial vehicles on city streets. 

For this system to function properly, truck drivers must observe these rules and regulations.  The City of Stockton Truck Route Map helps truck and commercial vehicle operators plan their routes.

STAA Truck Routes

The Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) of 1982 allows large trucks to operate on the Interstate and certain primary routes (collectively called the National Network.)  These STAA trucks are longer than California legal trucks.  As a result, STAA trucks have a larger turning radius than most local roads can accommodate.

The City of Stockton coordinates with San Joaquin County Public Works and Caltrans when establishing STAA Routes in and around the City.  The STAA Truck Route Map helps operators determine these routes within Stockton and San Joaquin County.

An application for a STAA Truck Terminal Access can be submitted to the Traffic Engineering Division.  The application process can be viewed on the Caltrans website. 

• STAA BROCHURE

Traffic Signals

The Public Works Traffic Engineering Division is responsible for programming approximately 284 traffic signals in the City of Stockton.  View the map of the City's Traffic Management System Fiber Optic Network.

The City has two types of traffic signals:  fixed-time signals and traffic actuated signals.  Fixed-time signals are set for average conditions and change at predetermined time intervals.  Traffic actuated signals detect vehicles, including bicycles, and adjust the timing to optimize traffic flow at the intersection.

Major streets, with several traffic signals spaced at periodic intervals, the traffic signals are synchronized to provide coordinated movement along the major street.

Before installing a traffic signal at an intersection, established minimum criteria, called "warrants," must be satisfied.  The engineering review includes an examination of:

• Vehicular and pedestrian traffic volumes;
• The need to provide interruption to the flow of traffic on major streets for side street vehicles and pedestrians;
• Special conditions such as curves;
• Collision history of the intersection.

If a traffic signal is dark, where all lights are out, a red light is out, the signal is in a red flash mode, or the pedestrian crossing lights are out, it is an emergency situation and should be reported immediately to the Municipal Service Center.

System Components Traffic Signal Management Video Monitoring Automated Traffic Volume Counts Video Detection Information Dissemination Ethernet and serial communication on Fiber Optic Networks

Benefits of the Traffic Signal Management System Improved traffic signal coordination Reduced delay for drivers Reduced vehicle operation costs Reduced auto air pollutant emissions such as carbon monoxide, reactive organic gases, and nitrous oxides Reduced fuel consumption Improved maintenance staff response time Increased roadway capacity and safety