Friday March 29th, 2024 8:18AM

New high-tech traffic signals coming to Jackson Co.

By Staff
JEFFERSON - A new type of traffic signal is scheduled for activation Tuesday at 2:00 at a Jackson County intersection.<br /> <br /> The new flashing yellow arrow will be for traffic on State Route 124 eastbound traffic turning left onto Gum Springs Church Road. <br /> <br /> The new traffic lights are called Four-Section Flashing Yellow Arrow (FYA) signals that will be deployed at intersections with historic heavy left-turning traffic volumes. The FYA signals will apply exclusively to drivers making left turns. The signal will be a vertical display of four left turn arrows functioning as follows (and displayed in the attachment):<br /> <br /> · When solid Red arrow is illuminated, no left turn is allowed;<br /> · When solid Yellow arrow is displayed, drivers should prepare to stop as light is about to turn red;<br /> · When flashing Yellow arrow is illuminated, drivers may turn left but must yield to pedestrians and oncoming vehicles; and<br /> · When solid Green arrow is displayed, drivers may turn left. <br /> <br /> This is the fourth flashing yellow arrow installed in Georgia DOT's Northeast service area, known as District One. Two are in Forsyth County and one is in Statham, Barrow County.<br /> <br /> State DOT officials say federal Highway Administration studies have shown these signals help reduce crashes of left-turning vehicles by as much as 35 percent. The FYA also offers clearer guidance to drivers turning left and allows them more movement through the intersection when no pedestrians or oncoming traffic are present, thereby reducing back-ups, engine idling and auto emissions.<br /> <br /> "We believe this will help drivers wanting to make a left turn better understand when they can do so freely, when they may proceed with their turn cautiously, and when they may not turn left," Bayne Smith, District Engineer said. "Our primary purpose is to reduce the often-devastating angle crashes that result when a left-turning vehicle is struck by oncoming traffic."
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