Design & Construction  Standards

Traffic and Safety Resources

NEW FLASHING ARROW SIGNALS

   

There is a new style of traffic signal being installed throughout the state of Alaska to more efficiently control left turns and improve safety at intersections. Research demonstrates that flashing yellow arrows are more intuitive and safer than the solid green lights that these signals are replacing for motorists that are turning left.

The new signal, a flashing yellow arrow, indicates that a left turn is allowed, but you must yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic, as oncoming traffic has a green light and the right of way.

Just remember, a flashing yellow arrow means yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Click here for a full-intersection animation illustrating how left-turning traffic is controlled using the FYA.

Links

• Flashing Yellow Arrow Information in Alaska Driver Manual
• Study – Recommends traffic signal displays for protected/permissive left-turn control (NCHRP Report 493)
• Study - Evaluates safety of FYA permissive only left-turn indication field installations (NCHRP Web-Only Document 123)