A safer and more efficient way to manage traffic turning left at intersections is coming to Thomas and Mitchell counties this week as the Georgia Department of Transportation activates new flashing yellow arrow (FYA) signals.

Signals will be activated Wednesday on U.S. 319/Highway 35 at Lower Cairo Road/Campbell Road in Thomasville and on Highway 112 at Scott Street in Camilla. A FYA signal on U.S. 19/Highway 3 at Highway 112 in Camilla will be activated Thursday.

The FYA signal is the Department’s preferred left turn signal because it is safer, more efficient and easier for drivers to understand. Here is what the lights on the four-part signal mean:

• A solid red arrow means don’t turn left. Stop.

• A solid yellow arrow is a warning the light is about to turn red. Drivers should prepare to stop.

• A flashing yellow arrow allows a left turn only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. This is a “permissive” turn. Oncoming traffic has a green light.

• A solid green arrow provides a “protected” left turn. Oncoming traffic has a red light.