Traffic signals at some of the most congested intersections around the Tampa Bay area will soon be upgraded to include flashing yellow arrows.
Over the next few months, the state will be putting forth effort to reduce accidents, maintain a normal traffic flow, and reduce the consumption of gas. They are doing so by means of installing at least 75 new traffic signals at high traffic intersections around the state.
The first installation in the state was in Palm Harbor in 2009 and in a matter of weeks Hillsborough County, among others, will follow suit. By the end of summer flashing yellow lights will be along Belcher Road at Alderman and other Tampa roads as well. As traffic signals become due for replacement, or as intersections undergo construction, new yellow arrows are being added too, where appropriate. Engineers based their location choices on such factors as pedestrian numbers and the volume of traffic at each intersection.
Pinellas County's traffic signal operations manager explained the importance of the new light, explaining it's goal was to provide additional safety to drivers in these high congested areas.
Florida is not the only state looking for ways to provide additional safety and improve traffic flow on it's roads. The Federal Highway Administration relates that there are more than 35 states that have already implemented the use of these lights at at least 1,000 intersections. That number is still growing.
Some drivers may not think this change is neccessary, but it is a small change that could help clarify things quickly for drivers, so that there may be no question of right-of-way. The highway administration explains that even if a driver has a green light, if they are making a left-hand turn, that light does not give them the right of way against oncoming traffic. This is often misinterpreted by motorists. The goal is that the flashing yellow will automatically signal drivers that they have to yield first to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians, and then they can turn left. In the event a motorist doesn't understand the purpose of the light, the state has planned to install signs next to each new light to further clarify.
Though one of the goals of the new lights is to see a reduction in the number of accidents, it is still too early to measure their effectiveness. Reportedly no accidents have occured since the installed of the yellow arrow lights at Belcher and Nebraska.
While the state is making a strong effort to protect Florida motorists, accidents are inenvitable, especially at these high traffic intersections that many drivers frequent daily. The Law Offices of John T. Grove handles auto accident cases every day. Let us advise you of your rights and get the recovery you deserve for your injuries and damages.
