Over the past few months, motorists have seen blinking left-turn arrows appear at many intersections in James City and York counties.
Social media posts have questioned if the signals are safe or effective, and the new intersection additions have some residents asking, “Why?”
The flashing yellow-turn signals have been installed at intersections throughout York and James City counties to make left turns “safer and more efficient,” according to Virginia Department of Transportation spokeswoman Brittany McBride.
The flashing left-turn signals can reduce traffic congestion, as well as save motorists time when they’re getting from point A to B, McBride said.
McBride said the decision to introduce the signals in Virginia came in 2010. York and James City counties had three of the signals installed on Route 60. Seven years later, the flashing- yellow arrows have been installed at hundreds of intersections throughout the commonwealth, according to McBride.
There are 39 blinking yellow left-turn arrows total in James City and York counties.
Intersections with the flashing yellow-arrow option were selected by VDOT after traffic engineers determined the signal would benefit the public, McBride said.
A seven-year national traffic study published in 2003 reported the signals lessened the likelihood of car crashes, as well as let drivers turn left when it’s safe, instead of waiting.
The signals also reduce left-turn vehicle accidents compared to “simple green ball indications for left turns,” McBride said. A green ball indication is a solid green light that can allow motorists to turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic, according to the traffic study.
“When the yellow arrow is flashing, drivers are reminded that they must first yield to oncoming traffic and wait until there is a safe window to make a left turn at the intersection,” McBride said. “When in doubt, wait it out.”
