- April 24, 2024
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Southboud drivers on U.S. 1 will notice a new traffic signal when they reach Royal Palms Parkway, in Palm Coast.
About a week ago, the new signal became fully operational, featuring a flashing yellow arrow for drivers who want to make either a left turn onto Royal Palms Parkway or do a U-turn.
Steve Homan, a representative with the Florida Department of Transportation, presented more information regarding the signal at the June 21 Palm Coast City Council meeting.
A seven-year traffic study, which began in the late 1990s, was conducted in a number of states to determine the best alternative to the circular green light for left turns, Homan said. The study confirmed that a flashing yellow left-turn arrow was the safest alternative.
“Most people instinctively know that a flashing yellow means to proceed with caution,” Homan said.
The light features four different displays: a steady red arrow, which means no turn; a steady yellow arrow; a flashing yellow arrow, which means drivers may turn with caution across oncoming traffic; and the steady green arrow, which means a left turn is allowed.
According to Homan, the signal in Palm Coast is the first such signal on a state road in Florida. He said there are other signals like these throughout the state, but not on a state road. Also, there are plans for the state to implement similar signals at the Seminole Woods Boulevard and U.S. 1 intersection, as well as the intersection of U.S. 1 and Belle Terre Parkway, in the summer of 2012.
Overall, Homan said, one of the best features of the new light is it eliminates the “yellow trap,” which occurs when a driver is waiting to make a left turn while both directions of traffic have green lights; when the light turns yellow, a driver assumes the oncoming traffic will see a red light, and the driver proceeds.
“That is not the case, and there are a significant number of crashes as a result of (the yellow trap),” he said.
For more information on the new traffic signal, search for “Traffic signal” on the city’s website at www.palmcoastgov.com.
