West Des Moines, IA

Flashing Yellow Arrow Left-Turn Signals

The City of West Des Moines has updated traffic signals at 110 intersections to include flashing yellow arrows. This new display replaces the traditional "green ball" for left turns to make driving safer and more efficient.

How the Signal Works

• Steady Red Arrow: Stop and wait. You cannot turn.
• Steady Yellow Arrow: The light is about to turn red. Prepare to stop safely.
• Flashing Yellow Arrow: You may turn left, but you must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians first.
• Steady Green Arrow: You have the right-of-way. Oncoming traffic has a red light.

Why did the City change the signals?

This change follows a national standard from the Federal Highway Administration. National studies show that drivers make fewer mistakes with the flashing yellow arrow than with the old green ball.

• It’s Safer: There has been a 50% reduction in left-turn crashes at these intersections in West Des Moines (from 20 crashes per year down to 10).
• It’s Efficient: Traffic engineers can adjust the signals to better handle busy traffic times.
• It’s Consistent: This signal is becoming the standard across the United States.