The Mississippi Department of Transportation will implement a new traffic signal to provide a safer and more efficient left-turn for motorists in Oktibbeha County.
The new flashing yellow arrow (FYA) left-turn signals will begin replacing the circular green signal for permitted left turns at selected intersections.
The FYA signal provides a more direct message than the circular green one. A national study demonstrated drivers had fewer crashes when using the FYA left turn signal than with the traditional green left turn signal because some drivers perceive any green signal to mean “go.”
One of the key benefits of the FYA signal will be lowering wait times at traffic signals at intersections.
Motorists can expect to see the FYA signal in Starkville on Highway 12 at its intersection with Russell Street as part of an intersection improvement project. MDOT expects these signals to be operational by the end of July.
Similar to the circular green signal, the FYA signal means left-turns are allowed, but first the driver must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before proceeding with caution.
MDOT reminds motorists that all oncoming traffic has the right of way. The FYA signal simply allows motorists to turn left when the oncoming traffic is clear.
To view an informational brochure of the new FYA signal visit ow.ly/xISK8. A video demonstration of the new FYA signal here is available at youtube.com/watch?v=GEN0pnO0F1k.
For current travel information, visit MDOTtraffic.com, download the free MS Traffic app from the App Store or Google Play, or call 511.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.