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Transportation NewsFlashing Yellow Arrow - A better Left Turn SignalFlashing yellow left turn arrows are showing up at signalized intersections across the country. The flashing yellow arrows are part of an effort to increase traffic flow and maintain safety. The flashing yellow arrows will move more vehicles through an intersection with less delay by allowing drivers to turn left when there is a gap in the oncoming traffic without having to wait for a green arrow. Drivers making left hand turns during a flashing yellow arrow must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians and turn with caution. The flashing yellow left turn arrow is also expected to improve intersection safety by reducing the number of collisions. More Flexible The new flashing yellow display provides traffic engineers with more options to handle variable traffic volumes. The flashing yellow display promotes safe traffic flow during heavy traffic volumes while reducing traffic delay when traffic volumes are light. Less Delay (Wait Time) Drivers will have more opportunities to make a left turn with the flashing yellow left-turn arrow than with the traditional three-arrow signal display, which keeps drivers moving. Safer A national study demonstrated that drivers found flashing yellow left-turn arrows more understandable than the traditional solid green ball displays. The Meanings of Left Turn Arrows:
An advantage of the flashing yellow arrow display is that it gives traffic engineers the flexibility to use specific displays during different times of day. This means that the flashing yellow arrow or steady green arrow may not be utilized during every traffic cycle. The City will evaluate flashing yellow left turn arrow displays with all new traffic signal designs. The City will also be assessing existing traffic signals to prioritize the addition of flashing yellow left turn displays. These future improvements will be based on a number of factors including, traffic volumes, configuration and number of roadway lanes, available sight distance, signal equipment, signal age, and funding availability. Why not use a solid green light instead of the flashing yellow arrow? The solid green light is often misunderstood as a left turn indicator. This is because drivers naturally think "green means go." Traffic making a left turn on a solid green light some times does not yield to oncoming traffic, which can result in more crashes. The flashing yellow arrow allows left turns but at the same time communicates the "caution" message to drivers. The flashing yellow arrow is especially effective at intersections with higher volumes of traffic. Are other cities in Washington using this type of signal? Yes. Federal Way, Bellevue, and Seattle are some of the Washington state cities that have installed signals with flashing yellow arrows. Related Links: For more information: Contact the City of Auburn Transportation Section at 253-931-3010. VanshareMetro Transit, in partnership with the City of Auburn, is offering commuters an alternative for getting to and from the Auburn Transit Station. VanShare is a shared van service that takes commuters from their home to the transit station, where they can catch the train or bus to work. The van is driven by a fellow commuter and is parked at the Auburn Transit Station until the commuters return to the Transit Station in the evening. Metro Transit provides the van, financial incentives for signing up to ride or drive a van, and RESERVED PARKING at the Auburn Transit Station! Sign up |
RelatedCommercial Vehicle Parking King County Transit Apps One Bus Away Public Works Road Closure and Construction Notices Van Share |
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