Baltimore County - Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Stop Signs - Pilot Program
Impact
The bill mandates that prior to the installation of LED stop signs, the State Highway Administration conduct surveys to gather baseline data on vehicular behavior and accident statistics at the target intersections. This data will serve as a point of comparison for assessing the effectiveness of the LED stop signs after installation. The intersections selected for the pilot program include several locations in Dundalk and Essex, aiming to address known traffic concerns in these areas.
Summary
House Bill 1278 establishes a pilot program for the installation of light-emitting diode (LED) stop signs at certain intersections in Baltimore County. The initiative is designed to enhance traffic safety by making stop signs more conspicuous, thereby potentially reducing the number of vehicles that fail to stop and the related accidents at these intersections. The program will be implemented by the State Highway Administration in conjunction with local government authorities, highlighting a collaborative approach to address traffic issues.
Contention
Notably, the bill requires the State Highway Administration to compile a report analyzing the effect of the LED stop signs by October 2025, which will inform future decisions regarding their installation throughout Baltimore County. The pilot program is set to last until June 30, 2026, at which point an evaluation will determine whether these signs should be permanently adopted based on their impact on traffic safety. While supporters believe that these signs could substantially improve adherence to traffic laws, there may be discussions on funding and resource allocation as the program is rolled out.