West Hartford's Motorist Safety Push Urges 'Stop Bar' Vigilance

WEST HARTFORD, CT — No, a "stop bar" is not some newfangled candy or something you chow down on before exercising.

Nor is it a place to enjoy a beer or something that keeps you from falling out of a roller coaster.

But in the context of West Hartford's ongoing "Vision Zero" safety push on town roads and sidewalks, a "stop bar" is a vital tool toward that end.

Recently, the town issued a reminder about "stop bars," which are the thick white lines in the roadway commonly seen at stop signs and stoplights.

They are supposed to mark where a motorist must stop to ensure pedestrian/bicyclist safety.

But here's the thing about "stop bars," wrote the Town of West Hartford — it's OK to cross them if it improves your sight line relative to traffic.

"Intersection visibility is vital, as it enables drivers to see approaching traffic and determine if it is safe to proceed into the intersection," wrote the town in a recent public service announcement.

"Visibility can be a concern at some intersections, particularly where stop bars are set back from the intersection."

According to the town, stop bars are placed to prioritize the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

"This placement is consistent with standard traffic engineering practices and indicates where drivers should initially stop in compliance with traffic control devices," wrote the town.

After checking for pedestrians or cyclists, motorists should proceed carefully forward to improve the line of sight before entering the intersection, wrote the town, wrote the town.

"This is a common and expected driving practice that helps strike a balance between compliance with traffic control markings and the need for safe maneuvering in real-world conditions."

From July 15: 'West Hartford's Summer Safety Blitz Continues'