STOP signs are one of the most recognizable traffic signs. Like traffic signals, STOP signs assign right-of-way to vehicles entering an intersection. The use of STOP signs must be in conformance with the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. In most cases, STOP signs are an important traffic control device to control traffic and improve traffic safety. However, in some cases, STOP signs are overused in inappropriate locations. This overuse of STOP signs has led to an overall decrease in respect by drivers.
STOP signs should never be used as a method to control traffic speeds. This improper use of STOP signs leads to inconsistent expectations for drivers.
Research has shown that at low volume intersections, there are no safety benefits associated with increasing the level of intersection control; uncontrolled intersections actually have the lowest frequency of crashes. The majority of residential intersections in the city are uncontrolled because of the low volume of traffic. Drivers should approach uncontrolled intersections prepared to yield to other vehicles. Minnesota Statutes 169.20 states when two vehicles enter an uncontrolled intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. At an uncontrolled approach to a T-shaped intersection, the driver required to turn shall yield to the cross traffic.
Below is a video that talks about why we have stop signs on residential roads.