Final answer:
A "4-WAY" or "ALL WAY" sign at an intersection indicates that all drivers must stop completely before proceeding, which enhances pedestrian safety, controls vehicle speed, and can reduce the occurrence of accidents.
Step-by-step explanation:
A "4-WAY" or "ALL WAY" sign added to a stop sign advises that all drivers approaching the intersection must come to a complete stop before proceeding.
This type of stop sign is commonly installed at busy intersections to improve pedestrian safety and reduce vehicle speeds.
These signs are crucial in situations where pedestrian traffic is frequent and can help prevent accidents.
For example, in areas near schools or campuses where students are crossing, these signs ensure that vehicles come to a complete halt, allowing pedestrians to cross safely.
Additionally, the presence of a 4-WAY stop may deter drivers from speeding, as they are legally required to stop at the intersection, thus potentially reducing the number of traffic accidents.
Lastly, considering the growth in traffic due to new businesses or changes in traffic patterns, such as those influenced by sporting events, these signs become more necessary to manage the increased flow of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.