Commissioner [Laura] Semanson is suggesting that motorists are confused by traffic control signage, specifically yield signs; and the solution is to eliminate them from the roadways. 

The yield sign simply specifies which vehicle goes first and who must wait their turn. In the past there was a practice of permitting drivers making a right turn to go first and those wanting to turn left would have to wait their turn. 

Given the volume of traffic, roadway design changes and less than perfect humans operating cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and bicycles we need traffic control laws, devices, and varying roadway designs to provide for a safe, and orderly flow of traffic. We don’t need to create chaotic traffic situations resulting in fatalities, physical injuries, aggressive driving, road rage or property damage events.

Nationally each year approximately 10,000 vehicle operators, passengers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are killed in intersections. While sharing the roadways there are numerous locations and situations where a yielding action is required but no yield sign is posted there. 

If drivers are confused by signage, traffic control signals and roadway designs, it would be prudent to enroll in a refresher course and update their knowledge of safe and defensive practices. AARP offers a low-cost, Smart Driver course open to members and non-members ages 25 and older.

Ralph A. Szweda

Cumming