In the week since the accident that killed a Bellevue toddler, residents have questioned the use the flashing yellow lights, which are becoming increasingly common around the city. But the city maintains that flashing yellow arrows are a safe, effective traffic option.
A preliminary investigation indicates that the car that hit and killed a 28-month-old toddler likely didn’t yield to oncoming traffic while making a left turn from 140th Avenue Northeast onto Bel-Red Road on Sept. 29, as required by the blinking yellow light at the intersection, Bellevue Police said.
However, Bellevue resident Stefan Damstrom has another view.
“The new traffic light setup there with the blinking yellow left arrow is to blame. Never seen so many near misses in one intersection,” he wrote about the traffic signals. Another resident said that flashing yellow lights should not be used at busy intersections, and said the city should go back to just green or red arrows.
The general response to the flashing yellow arrows over the last five years has been positive, said Mark Poch, the city’s traffic engineering manager, and despite the accident, the city is standing by the blinking signals.
“This was a tragedy and it’s very emotional for everyone when a two-year-old is killed, so I totally understand why people are asking questions,” said city spokesperson David Grant. “We’re taking this extremely seriously, but I’m not aware of any discussions of rolling back the blinking yellow lights.”
The flashing yellow arrow at the intersection of 140th and Bel-Red Road was turned off on Oct. 2, three days after the fatal collision. Very few traffic signals have warranted being turned off in the past, Poch said.
“Maybe for a lot of agencies, that would be the end of it,” said Poch. “We continue to manage the flashing yellow lights, and if we have intersections that warrant it, we can turn them off on a case-by-case basis.”
Bellevue first began installing flashing yellow arrows in late 2010, and is nearing the completion of a project to install new traffic signals – including many using flashing yellow arrows – in intersections throughout the city.
Of the 197 intersections in the Bellevue that have been or will be outfitted with upgraded traffic signals, approximately 120 have one or more traffic lights with a flashing yellow arrow. In total, there are 245 signals displaying flashing yellow arrows in the city.
During the planning of the traffic signal swap-out, the city assessed intersections by speed, the volume of traffic and the sight distance before deciding to install flashing yellow arrows. After their installation, the city distributed materials, videos and other information about the blinking arrows, and posts signs for the first month after installation reminding drivers to yield next to oncoming traffic.
Studies by the Federal Highway Administration suggest they increase safety because they are more effective at getting drivers to yield to oncoming traffic and are generally better understood by drivers than green unprotected left turn lights, according to the city.
The signals are also a time-saver, resulting in drivers saving 166,000 hours each year on average. “Overall I like them because it eases the flow of traffic,” said resident Mindy Law Westerman.
Still, the city is considering a re-education campaign, and may reinstall warning signs next to the lights.
“We make it a point to listen to and respond to concerns,” said Poch.
