Flashing Yellow Lights Coming to St. Pete?

Motorists may have come across the "yellow flashing arrow" at traffic signals in other communities around the nation. Beginning this week, The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) began testing the flashing yellow arrow at one intersection in St. Petersburg at 34th St. N. and 38th Ave.

At 34th St. N. and 38th Ave., a flashing yellow arrow will be visible for left-turning motorists after the solid green arrow, and before the solid yellow arrow phase, when motorists should be preparing to STOP. During the flashing yellow arrow, motorists are permitted to make a left-turn after yielding to oncoming traffic.

National studies show the flashing yellow arrow is a low-cost safety measure that has been effective in preventing crashes by reminding motorists wishing to turn left to yield to oncoming traffic at signal-controlled intersections. FDOT will be installing flashing yellow arrow signals at various locations throughout the state on a case-by-case basis to evaluate their effectiveness before statewide implementation.

The city has placed variable message boards at locations approaching the intersection to educate drivers about the new flashing yellow arrow. For more information, visit www.dot.state.fl.us/trafficoperations/