A green arrow on a traffic light means you are allowed to safely turn in the direction of the arrow, as oncoming or crossing traffic should be yielding to you.
In essence, a green arrow provides protected turn access. When you see a green arrow, it signifies that you have the right-of-way to make the turn indicated by the arrow's direction. This is because all opposing traffic, including oncoming traffic and pedestrians, should be stopped or yielding. This ensures a safer turn compared to a simple green light where you must yield to oncoming traffic.
Here's a breakdown of what you should do when encountering a green arrow:
- Proceed with Caution: While the green arrow indicates you have the right-of-way, it's always a good practice to quickly scan the intersection for any unexpected pedestrians or vehicles that might have mistakenly entered the intersection.
- Turn in the Direction Indicated: The green arrow will point in the direction you are allowed to turn, whether it's left, right, or in some cases, even straight.
- Understand Right-of-Way: Unlike a solid green light where you must yield to oncoming traffic when turning left, a green arrow gives you the protected right-of-way.
- Look for Conflicting Signals: Be aware of other signals that might affect your turn, such as pedestrian signals or temporary traffic control measures.
In summary, a green arrow is a clear indication that you have the protected right-of-way to turn in the direction indicated, making it a valuable tool for ensuring safe and efficient traffic flow at intersections.
