Traffic light blues

By Linda Cicoira

Seventy percent of the Facebook members who answered a Tasley Volunteer Fire Company survey favored the recently installed flashing caution light at the Onley Food Lion intersection, which allows drivers to make a left-hand turn when there is a clear path.

The inquiry was initiated after crashes occurred at the site on Dec. 27, 2025, and on Jan. 4, 2026. Both incidents caused injuries.

On Sunday, at 11:30 a.m., stations 8 and 9 responded to Lankford Highway in Onley in front of Pizza Hut for a two-vehicle motor vehicle accident with injuries, the Tasley company reported.

“Folks, when the turn signal is Flashing Yellow, you must YIELD,” the notice stated.  “If there is no oncoming traffic, then you may go. Otherwise, wait until the way is clear.”

The other 30 percent of survey participants said they liked the more typical red and green lights. Several people mentioned that the light should blink red, not yellow.

Tommy Turner, of Quinby, wrote in the comments, “I much prefer being able to turn instead of waiting. This is very normal in many other places. I can’t understand why it’s been a problem. There are always huge gaps in traffic when it’s safe to turn.”

Jessica Parks, of Keller, said, “Make the green lights longer so traffic doesn’t get so backed up in the turning lane. That light used to barely stay green, the line couldn’t even clear, and get rid of the yellow, same in Cape Charles.

Polly Milliner Ransome, of Onancock, likes the new flashing yellow light. “I have been in the turn lane when people had to pull into the median because it was backed up,” she said.

Tracy Marsh Johnson said, “I think it’s great, but I also have concerns that if someone is not paying good attention and sees the person in front of them go, and just rolls on along behind them, that we could end up with one hell of an accident there.”

Cara Burton, of Parksley, commented, “Locals can get used to it, but do the passers-through know what it means?”

“It is not difficult to proceed safely,” said Anthony Montross of Temperanceville. He suggested that some drivers need to go back and retake Driver’s Ed. “It would help,” Montross added.

Matthew Hershey, of Tasley, said, “Every light on (Route) 13 should be a flashing left like the rest of the civilized world!”

Willow Zieger, of Eastville, wrote, “I feel like the flashing yellow lights are a menace because people see it as an excuse to either rush or push their luck! I know how many accidents have happened in Exmore and Cape Charles, at these lights. If someone can’t handle waiting a couple more seconds to turn at a red light, they need to get some help. Just my humble opinion.”

“Leave it yellow,” wrote Darren Walker. “Natural selection will weed out the morons.”