10/07/2017
As you may or may not have noticed Wendell also has a controlled crosswalk like this on Idaho St next to the elementary school.
If you’ve driven through Burley, you know that there has been a pedestrian activated traffic signal installed at the intersection of Overland Ave. and 19th St. since fall of 2015. This light was installed to aid in safely getting children from one side of the busy street of Overland to the other without any incident. This has been a statewide project to help reduce “almost” accidents with children as they are on their way to or from school. The targeted areas have been focused on elementary schools with state highways running alongside them. Overland Ave. is Idaho State Highway 27.
You’ll notice once the push button has been pressed, the light blinks yellow first to warn drivers to slow down. The light then turns solid yellow and then red, indicating drivers should be stopped at the designated line on the roadway. The light will stay a solid red and then continue to a blinking red light. This allows pedestrians extra protection from traffic as they cross the highway with a countdown giving them a reasonable amount of time to cross.
Once the light is blinking red, and you have stopped and cleared the intersection of any pedestrian, you can proceed through the light. This applies to each vehicle arriving to the stop line. Once the lights are dark, you can disregard the signal until the push button is activated by another pedestrian.
Idaho Code 49-804 states:
FLASHING SIGNALS. (1) Whenever an illuminated flashing red or yellow light is used in a traffic signal or with a traffic sign, it shall require obedience by drivers as follows:
(a) Flashing red (stop signal).– When a red lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, a driver shall stop at a clearly marked limit line, but if none before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if none then at the point nearest the intersecting highway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting highway before entering it, and the driver may proceed subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign.
(b) Flashing yellow (caution signal).– When a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, a driver may proceed through the intersection or past the signal only with caution.
As always, Cassia County officials are hoping to get through the summer with as minimal number of crashes as possible. Please make sure to obey traffic signals, stay off of your cell phone, and remain completely alert while in control of your vehicle. Don’t leave your children or animals unattended in your vehicles and have all occupants restrained in their proper safety equipment while in your care.