Michigan Auto Accident Lawyers

Following Michigan Traffic Signals Can Save Your life

In theory, Michigan’s various traffic signs and signals should eliminate accidents and help each driver to safely arrive at their destination.

In practice, however, these signals and signs don’t eliminate accidents if the drivers don’t obey them. Some drivers choose not to follow their direction. However, others don’t follow them because they simply don’t understand them in time.

This is because a Michigan driver only has a few seconds to react properly to a traffic signal or sign as they approach an intersection. But if they don’t know what they mean or if they hesitate to follow them, they likely won’t follow their direction in time to avoid an accident.

So to help you avoid being involved in an accident, the attorneys at Kajy Law explain what each traffic signal and sign means in Michigan.

Why Some Michigan Traffic Signals Can Be Confusing

For decades, many Michigan intersections were governed by three signals: red, yellow, and green. However, this has changed in recent years as the state of Michigan has focused on improving traffic safety and efficiency by adding different signals and signs.

As a result, drivers commonly see four or even five different sections on one traffic signal. In other intersections, unique signs depict a specific diagram of the road that a driver has to quickly understand to follow.

However, many Michigan drivers have been confused by what they see as they approach an intersection. That’s why it’s important for drivers like you to learn what everything means before they’re behind the wheel to safely navigate all of these new traffic signals and sign changes.

What Each Michigan Traffic Signal Means

Even though many drivers are familiar with these signals, some may be under a false impression about what they actually mean, which can lead to car accidents.

So to help make prevent accidents at Michigan intersections, our car accident lawyers explain each traffic signal the state of Michigan uses and what they mean.

Red light
Drivers are to brake and come to a stop at red lights behind the crosswalk or stop line. This light is at the top of Michigan traffic signals.

Flashing red light
Flashing red lights require drivers to come to a full stop. They can then proceed once the road is clear.

Red arrow
A solid red arrow means two things: drivers must stop, and they also cannot turn until the signal changes.

Yellow light
Yellow lights indicate that a traffic signal is about to turn red, and that drivers need to prepare to stop. The only time a driver is not required to stop at a yellow light is if they cannot stop safely.

Flashing yellow light
When there’s a flashing yellow light, drivers are to proceed carefully through the intersection after scanning traffic in both directions.

Yellow arrow
There are two types of yellow arrows: a solid yellow arrow and flashing yellow arrow.

A solid yellow arrow warns turning drivers that the left turn signal giving them the right of way is about to change, requiring them to stop. They may only complete a left turn with a solid yellow arrow if they are already in the intersection and there’s no conflicting traffic present.

A flashing yellow arrow lets drivers turn left as long as there is sufficient space to turn without endangering oncoming traffic, bicyclists, or pedestrians.

Green light
Contrary to popular belief, a green light doesn’t just mean ‘go’. It means proceed with caution after first checking for both pedestrians and other vehicles in the intersection.

Green arrow
Turning drivers can proceed with caution in the direction of a green arrow while still yielding the right of way to any pedestrians in the intersection.

What to do if a traffic signal is not working

Traffic signals may be out due to a storm, a tree branch that fell on power lines, or electrical work in the area. In this case, there may be law enforcement officers directing traffic.

But if no one is there to direct traffic, drivers should come to a complete stop at the intersection and yield to other vehicles already there. In the event of four vehicles arriving at the intersection at the same time, yield to those on your right.

Understanding “Doghouse Traffic Signals”

These types of signals are called “Doghouse Traffic Signals” because their shape resembles a small building.

These may be used for intersections in Michigan that are shared by various types of traffic. For example, there may be both passenger motor vehicles and public transport like trams, trollies, and transit buses. The left side of the signal has the standard red, yellow, and green motor vehicle traffic signals, while the right side has white and green signals for public transport traffic.

In other cases where there’s only motor vehicle traffic, these signals incorporate a solid red section at the top. Below, there are yellow and green arrows on one side and solid yellow and red sections on the other. This lets the authorities have greater control of traffic during different times of the day.

‘Michigan Left’ Traffic Signs Explained

Michigan has some traffic signs that may be more confusing than any traffic signal. This is especially true of a unique type of intersection we have here known as a ‘Michigan Left’.

Also called an ‘indirect left turn’, a Michigan Left prevents a driver from turning left directly. Instead, they are first directed right and then allowed to make a U-turn to drive the opposite direction.

Michigan Left signs often look like one arrow towards the right with a second arrow rising up from it and then to the left. Others are more descriptive, with a diagram of the intersection’s roads displayed. However, these too have an arrow going right and then a second one rising up from it going left.

In either case, Michigan Left signs inform the driver which way to turn on the road in order to travel the direction they want.

The Consequences of Ignoring these Signals

Some drivers flagrantly ignore Michigan’s traffic signals and signs. This can happen because they don’t think anyone is around, no one will be affected, or simply to save time on their route.

However, doing so is a violation of various Michigan laws, such as 257.649 and 257.611 which clearly identify such actions as civil infractions.

That means drivers who disobey traffic signals can expect traffic tickets, fines of hundreds of dollars, points on their driving record, and even possible license suspension or jail time, depending on how many infractions they incur.

However, these consequences are minor in comparison to the possible effects of being involved in a car accident due to disobeying a traffic signal, which can greatly impact a person’s health and last a lifetime.

Have More Questions About Michigan Traffic Signals? Let Us Help

Call us today or fill out our contact form to get free answers from our Michigan car accident lawyers. With our combined 133 years of experience, we have the knowledge and insights needed to handle anything related to your Michigan auto accident.

Our lawyers have helped drivers throughout Michigan with their accidents–including Dearborn car accidents, Warren car accidents, and accidents anywhere else. As a result, it has been our privilege to help win over 2,500 cases for our fellow Michiganders.

Contact Our Michigan Auto Accident Lawyers

Let Kajy Law’s knowledgeable Michigan car accident lawyers help you after your car accident.

We’re ready to provide the support, answers, and practical help you need to fully recover–all while we work hard on your case to maximize your settlement.

Call us today at 248-702-6641 or fill out our contact form to set up a free accident consultation.