2012 News Archive
Johns Creek to install flashing yellow arrow signals
New program, first in Georgia, expected to improve traffic flow, safety
1/23/2012
This spring, the City of Johns Creek will become the first municipality in Georgia to install flashing yellow left-turn arrows on traffic signals in certain intersections of the City to assist in moving traffic more efficiently and more safely.
The flashing yellow left arrows – which mean you can turn left if the way is clear, but yield to crossing pedestrians and oncoming vehicles – will be added onto the traffic signals at the following six locations by March:
- State Bridge Road & St. Georgian Common
- State Bridge Road & entrance to Parkway Baptist Church
- State Bridge Road & entrances to Home Depot/Whole Foods Market
- McGinnis Ferry Road & Hospital Parkway
- McGinnis Ferry Road & Johns Creek Parkway
- McGinnis Ferry Road & entrance to Johns Creek Town Center
"If you've ever been stuck at a red light and wanting to turn left when there's no oncoming traffic, a flashing yellow arrow will allow you to go ahead and turn if it's safe," said Public Works Director Tom Black. "Flashing yellow arrows can keep traffic moving."
Flashing yellow arrows reduce accidents and near-misses. Signals in opposite directions don't always mirror each other, forcing motorists to guess whether oncoming cars will stop, yield, or keep driving. The flashing yellow arrow helps take the guesswork out of making left turns.
A 2007 Federal Highway Administration study confirmed that flashing yellow left-turn signals reduced confusion and accidents, and improved the flow of traffic where they were used.
"Flashing yellow left-turn arrows have been successfully used in many other states, such as Missouri, North Carolina, Oregon, and Texas," Black said. "This has been tested in many other places."
The designated intersections will have four traffic signals to follow:
- Solid red arrow: Stop. No left turns allowed.
- Solid yellow arrow: Prepare to stop.
- Flashing yellow arrow: Left turns are allowed, but first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
- Solid green arrow: Protected left turn. Proceed with caution.
Video: How flashing yellow left-turn signals work.