MADISONVILLE, KY (WFIE) -
A new traffic signal in Madisonville could make a dangerous intersection safe.
It's a flashing yellow turn signal, used in only a handful of states across the country.
The new lights were installed this week, and after checking out the traffic flow Wednesday, it seems it's going to take drivers a little bit of getting used to.
Kentucky 70 at the Pennyrile Parkway interchange has been near the top on the cities list of accidents for years.
"To me, it's very dangerous," said resident Lana Haley.
"If you just look at the area in itself, look at all the businesses and activity that goes through the area," said Madisonville Police Department Lt. Robert Carter.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has added flashing yellow lights for drivers turning Off of Kentucky 70.
The signal starts with a normal green arrow, allowing drivers to turn left. Then it turns yellow, then red.
Shortly after, a yellow turn signal flashes allowing drivers to turn with caution, yielding to oncoming traffic.
"Now, when you have an opportunity to do anything to increase safety on the roadway, whether it be the addition of lights, the addition of different types of safety mechanisms, the community as a whole indeed does benefit from that," Carter said.
Some drivers were confused with the new signal.
"I think a lot of people will just say yellow light, go ahead and go before it turns red, and get through it," Haley said.
KTC officials say it's essentially replacing the green ball for motorists turning left, in hopes of reducing collisions.
Haley lives close to these intersection and says the fact that it's a flashing yellow light would get her attention.
"My first response would probably be to go ahead and stop and then look every direction before I took off."
Haley says before anymore of these lights go up, it's important to notify drivers.
"It's something new and a lot of people still might not be aware of it. I think it's something, if you're going to do it, be sure that maybe the people are aware of it before you do it."
About a dozen of these yellow flashing lights are being installed across Kentucky to see how well they work and there could be more in the future.
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