A flashing yellow arrow indicates that you are allowed to turn left, but you must yield to oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and bicyclists. It's not a protected turn, meaning you don't have the right-of-way.
Understanding the Flashing Yellow Arrow
The flashing yellow arrow is a traffic signal that balances efficiency and safety. Here’s a breakdown:
Key Functions:
- Permissive Turn: Unlike a solid green arrow, the flashing yellow arrow means you can turn, but you must do so cautiously.
- Yield Required: You must give way to oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists. This means waiting for a safe gap before proceeding with your left turn.
- Reduced Delays: As mentioned in the provided video reference, a flashing yellow arrow can decrease delays at intersections because it allows vehicles to turn left when it is safe, rather than waiting for a solid green arrow.
- Traffic Flow Improvement: By allowing more turns, traffic flow is generally improved and congestion is reduced, as demonstrated in the video at [0:09-1:20].
How to Approach a Flashing Yellow Arrow
Here's how you should approach an intersection with a flashing yellow arrow:
- Slow Down: As you approach the intersection, reduce your speed to better assess the situation.
- Scan the Intersection: Check for oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists crossing the street you intend to turn onto.
- Yield the Right-of-Way: Make sure no one is approaching or already in the intersection. Wait for a clear gap in traffic.
- Proceed with Caution: Once you’ve confirmed it’s safe, you may cautiously complete your left turn.
Example Scenario:
Let’s say you're on "Knuckles Road" heading northbound as in the video example. If you have a flashing yellow arrow, you are permitted to turn left. However, you must yield to traffic moving in the opposite direction before making your turn.
Why Use a Flashing Yellow Arrow?
- Efficiency: It permits left turns when it's safe without requiring an exclusive green arrow phase, which can reduce waiting times at the intersection.
- Reduced Traffic Congestion: It helps to move traffic more smoothly, leading to less overall congestion.
- Safety: It allows for safer turns by emphasizing the need to yield and look for potential hazards.
In Summary
The flashing yellow arrow serves as an effective tool to manage traffic flow, allowing for left turns while emphasizing the need to yield to others and turn safely. Remember: proceed with caution and always prioritize safety when navigating an intersection with a flashing yellow arrow.
