NEW flashing yellow arrow in Royal Oak,MI

A new arrow traffic signal in downtown Royal Oak at the intersection of 11 Mile Rd. and Main St. in Michigan.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• flashing
• yellow
• arrow
• traffic
• signal

[Mudimush]

How the flashing yellow arrow saves gasoline:

- It allows permissive left turns during a larger part of the signal cycle. This reduces engine idling while stopped. The circular green can't allow left turns during any part of the cycle when the straight ahead traffic must be stopped.

- By preventing the yellow trap hazard, the flashing yellow arrow allows synchronizing signals in BOTH directions on more two-way streets. This saves gas by stopping traffic fewer times.

[Mudimush]

An explanation of the difference between the flashing yellow arrow and the circular green:

The difference is in the meaning given to traffic that is NOT turning left.

- Circular green releases all movements, not just the left turn.

- The flashing yellow arrow releases the permissive left turn, but NOT other movements.

This allows the use of new signal sequences that can't be used if left turns are allowed on circular green. These sequences save gasoline.

[MystikWizard]

I still don't think I agree with a flashing Yellow Arrow, although I have seen them in person in a few places. When people see yellow, they assume they have the right away. So if there is oncoming traffic, are they going to realize that "Yes, I have to stop" or are they going to make the turn? For left turns because of safety, I think a flashing red arrow is better so they have to stop first ... then can make the left turn.

[loaisthe11]

At most intersections in Michigan with left turn lights there is a steady green left arrow which turns yellow and then becomes a round flashing red light, meaning you are clear to make a left turn on the green arrow, not so much on the yellow, and you must stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear to turn left on the round red flashing light. Next comes a steady round red light which means, of course, stop.

[newsfanatic1000]

@sTEVEN197981 : That is correct it is a new natonal standard. Palm Coast Fl. isnow getting these lights and is Central Fl.

[msk578]

@msk578 People get confused by the flashing left turn arrow and just sit there as if it were a red arrow. You can still make the left turn on a flashing left turn arrow as long as it is safe.

[msk578]

This type of set-up is becoming more and more common. I've seen it popping up along a major road in suburban St. Louis, they're now in Pueblo, CO and they haven't made it here to Denver yet.

A few Denver area intersections have variable left turn signals where a certain time of the day is red arrow and another time of day (usually the middle of the night) is a green left-turn yield.

[AmazingJames1987]

to add, just the flashing yellow arrow, no green when I last went through there, wasnt turning left though, but if I were I may've waited a bit

[AmazingJames1987]

an intersection near me recently added new lights and they use that same feature, except I've noticed now, that previously, through traffic was stopped for opposite ends to take a left turn on the green arrow, now they have it set to where your only left turns can be made when traffic's clear...pathetic, and it's pretty busy every afternoon

[Steven197981]

As far as I know of, most 'dog houses' are being replaced with this particular setup.