New yellow turn arrows installed to increase safety

In an effort to reduce traffic collisions, the Metropolitan Police Department is taking a proactive approach to heighten commuters' awareness to flashing yellow turn arrows.

The Nevada Department of Transportation recently installed flashing yellow turn arrows at many intersections, police said in a safety statement released Tuesday. The yellow arrows replace the existing green left-hand turn signals at certain intersections in an effort to create a safer, more efficient signal.

A flashing yellow arrow means a vehicle is allowed to cautiously enter an intersection only to make the turn indicated by the arrow. However, the driver must first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, then proceed with caution.

A June 2011 USA Today story reported more than 35 states currently use flashing yellow turn arrows, with more than 1,000 in effect nationally.

Additional information on the local signals is available on the transportation department's website at nevadadot.com/flashingyellow.