The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced it will be activating a new type of left turn signal that has been proven to improve left turn safety at intersections.

Flashing Yellow Arrow signals are new to Pennsylvania but they have become commonplace in many states across the United States over the last 10 years. Based on many national studies and transportation agency testimonials, Flashing Yellow Arrow signals improve left-turning safety by helping motorists recognize that they should yield while making left turns when there is oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80nuENJCeA8

According to research funded by the Federal Highway Administration, left turn crashes can be reduced by as much as 20 percent after the installation of the Flashing Yellow Arrow signal. Also, Flashing Yellow Arrow signals can be adjusted depending on the time of day, reducing delays and improving mobility.

The current signal configuration features a green left arrow to allow left turns followed by a yellow arrow and then a circular green indication. The new configuration will feature four left turn arrows:

• Steady green left arrow meaning the left turn is protected and oncoming traffic is to stop.
• Flashing yellow arrow meaning drivers must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before completing the left turn.
• Steady yellow arrow meaning left turns should stop because the signal is about to change to red.
• Steady red arrow meaning left turns must stop and cannot proceed.