Andrew L. Shapiro | November 11, 2024 | Car Accidents
Yellow lights often cause confusion because drivers do not know what to do when they encounter a yellow light signal. The rules are clear, but those rules have not made yellow light situations any safer. Knowing the rules is only one part of the battle. Drivers must also know how to solve timing problems and remain vigilant for negligent drivers.
Yellow Light Rules
California law covers four situations a driver may encounter involving four different types of yellow lights.
Solid Yellow Light
A solid yellow light is the most common type of yellow light traffic command you will encounter. It appears after a green light and before a red, signaling that red is coming. The imminence of a red light can cause problems in traffic.
The law states that drivers can enter an intersection on a yellow light. As long as any part of the vehicle has crossed the threshold of the stop line, the vehicle may proceed through the intersection.
Flashing Yellow Light
A flashing yellow light simply means that drivers are to proceed with caution. Stopping is not required with a flashing yellow light in traffic.
Yellow Arrow
A yellow arrow is similar to a yellow light in that it signifies the end of a permitted passage. However, a driver could see a red arrow or a green or red traffic signal after a yellow stop light. Drivers may turn left on a yellow arrow as long as their car has crossed the stop threshold at the intersection.
Flashing Yellow Arrow
A flashing yellow arrow allows for an unprotected left turn. Oncoming traffic has the right of way with a flashing yellow arrow.
What To Do At A Yellow Signal
Now that you know the rules, you still must understand what precisely to do at a stop light yellow signal. In other words, it is important to learn how to put the knowledge of yellow light laws into practice.
First and foremost, you should always remain calm and attentive. As you approach the intersection, beware of other drivers and pedestrians. Once you assess the type of traffic light (yellow in this case) you are dealing with, proceed to execute the action while watching for negligent drivers or pedestrians.
As you may have experienced, yellow light traffic light situations often involve various types of driver negligence, including:
- Entering the intersection after the yellow light
- Speeding to beat any traffic light yellow light that may appear
- Stopping after the stop line
- Failure to yield to oncoming traffic
- Driving while distracted
As a driver navigating a yellow light situation, you can avoid an accident by looking out for these and other types of negligence.
What To Do After A Yellow Light Accident
For a yellow light accident that causes moderate to serious injuries, accident victims should call 911 and try to get to a safe place. Drivers should exchange information, such as:
- Name and license information
- Makes and models of cars
- Names of insurance companies
Victims should also get witness statements and their contact information whenever possible. Taking witness statements at the time of the accident is much better for compensation cases than getting them later. Photos and video footage are also helpful.
Ultimately, victims with damages should seek the services of an experienced car accident attorney to ensure they get the compensation their injuries deserve, especially when catastrophic injuries are involved.
Knowing The Law Can Help Keep You Safe
Yellow lights can be tricky. Knowing what to do when one lights up will keep you safe and out of liability. Knowing and obeying the traffic laws is the ultimate goal because the road is dangerous.
Contact the Encino Car Accident Lawyers of JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Please contact an experienced Car Accident lawyer at JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation today at (833) 852-3600.
Our main office is in Encino, CA, but we serve all through Los Angeles County.
JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers
16633 Ventura Blvd suite 1011,
Encino, CA 91436
