Why are new traffic signals “flashing” when initially activated?
Flashing red/yellow operation is generally used at new traffic signals to draw attention to the new device. Regular users of the roadway are conditioned to a specific intersection traffic control, thus flashing operation is used for one week before the new signal control is set to normal operation. During this warning period the motorist on the main street will encounter a yellow flashing indication and a motorist on the side street will see a red flashing indication.
