This study evaluated strategies to improve motorist compliance and caution
at three stop-sign-controlled intersections with a history of motor vehicle
crashes. The primary intervention was a light-emitting diode (LED) sign th
at featured animated eves scanning left and right to prompt drivers to look
left and right for approaching traffic. Data were scored from videotape on
the percentage of drivers coming to a complete stop and the percentage of
drivers looking right before entering the intersection. Observational data
were collected on the percentage of right-angle conflicts (defined as braki
ng suddenly or swerving from the path to avoid an intersection crash). The
introduction of the LED sign according to a multiple baseline across the th
ree intersections was associated with an increase in the percentage of vehi
cles coming to a complete stop at all three intersections and a small incre
ase in the percentage of drivers looking right before entering the intersec
tions. Conflicts between vehicles on the major and minor road were also red
uced following the introduction of the animated eyes prompt.