Safer & More Efficient Left Turns

In Santee, California

Starting the week of January 26, 2026, the City of Santee will begin swapping out traffic signals to include flashing yellow lights for the left hand turn pockets in the following intersections:

• Mast Blvd. and Bilteer Dr.
• Prospect Ave. and Cottonwood Ave.
• Carlton Hills Blvd. and Willowgrove Ave.
• Carlton Oaks Dr. and Fanita Pkwy.
• Carlton Oaks Dr. and Pebble Beach Dr.

The new traffic signals will be installed on the major street of each intersection.

Why flashing yellow traffic signals?

The benefits of flashing yellow traffic signals include:

• Safety: Studies have shown that traffic signals equipped with flashing yellow left turn arrows reduce collision involving left turn yield movements, when compared with solid green indications. 
• Less delay for motorist: Motorists have more opportunities o make a left turn with the flashing yellow left turn arrow than with the solid green yielding indications, which helps keep traffic moving
• Increased flexibility: The new flashing yellow arrows provide more options to most effectively handle all types of traffic volume and reduce back-ups. 

This informational video on the New Flashing Yellow Arrow Signals from Alaska DOT&PF provides a helpful visual of how these new traffic signals work. 

How To Use Flashing Yellow Turn Indications

When approaching a traffic signal with a flashing yellow arrow indication, it means to turn with caution and when clear, after yielding to oncoming motor vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.

1. Before entering the intersection, look left and look straight ahead. Do you see oncoming traffic, bicyclists or pedestrians? If so, provide them the right-of-way. 
2. Once you determine it is clear and safe to do so, proceed with caution and make your left turn. 
3. After the flashing yellow left-turn arrow, you will see the traditional solid yellow left-turn arrow. The solid yellow left-turn arrow means what it has always meant in that the signal is about to turn red, and you should prepare to stop. 

Research

Traffic signals equipped with flashing yellow left turn arrows have been shown to reduce collisions involving left turn yield movements where motorists are allowed to make their left turn only when approaching opposing vehicular traffic, bicyclists, and pedestrians in the crosswalk are clear of the intersection. Flashing yellow left turn arrows (FYA) are utilized regularly throughout the United States, including in California. In 2009, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) authorized use of FYAs after extensive analysis. Subsequent studies have been conducted, such as through the National Cooperative Highway Research Program, that have found that use of FYAs result in better motorist conformance and fewer collisions than the traditional yield-on-green signal configurations for left turns. The FYA left-turn signal is included in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD).