End Of The Road

"Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura" (sundowne36) 05/07/2014 at 00:49 • Filed to: Traffic Signals

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For the old permissive left turn signal.

For so many years, the permissive left turn gave drivers the protection of a left turn signal without having to stop at a red arrow, but it was also a victim of its own success. How do you know when the opposing traffic has a red if you're stuck in the intersection (why?)?

This is called the Yellow trap. You decided to inch up into the intersection, waiting for your chance to turn left when all of a sudden, your light turns yellow. Realizing (on a misguided half-truth) that your chance was coming to an end, you decide to go for it - only to see that the opposing traffic has a green light and BAM! You've been T-boned by an old lady in a Civic.

If anything, it's time to put this style of signal to pasture.

Rainbow > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 05/07/2014 at 00:53

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I love the constant flashing yellow arrow that some places have. It feels awesome to turn left on red, legally and safely. That's what they should have at most intersections.

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > Rainbow 05/07/2014 at 01:00

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There is a variant of the flashing yellow arrow without the green light, from what I found.

Doug DeMuro > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 05/07/2014 at 01:49

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I'm stunned this style of signal exists — it's a recipe for constant crashes.

Bad Idea Hat > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 05/07/2014 at 07:23

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Oh yeah, there's an intersection up in one of Dayton's suburbs that is horrible for this. Or at least it was a decade ago. I still don't understand how nobody has seen how this could be a problem.

thebigbossyboss > Doug DeMuro 05/07/2014 at 08:46

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It's really only good if the cross street is one way. I.e. only cars from the lagging side turn left, and cars from the leading side do not. (whether the street be one way, or just a no left turn).

thebigbossyboss > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 05/07/2014 at 08:49

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These signals are alright only if there is no left turn from the leading side. (I.e. the cross street is one way, or turns are not permitted from the leading side. Then it's just a matter of that wierd feeling when your light is still green, but the opposing traffic has stopped.

Slave2anMG > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 05/07/2014 at 10:00

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When you reach A Certain Age, you realize that expecting oncoming traffic to stop is not a good idea, signals or not. People run red lights and stop signs. Assume they're not going to stop and move your moves accordingly.

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > Slave2anMG 05/07/2014 at 15:03

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Even so, the MUTCD was revised to give you a signal that tells you oncoming traffic will not stop yet - hence the flashing yellow arrow/ball.

Heck, think of the possible insurance benefits!

Slave2anMG > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 05/07/2014 at 21:04

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Yes, they're all over here now. I still don't trust oncoming drivers :)