What is the significance of the "dummy light"?

answered 2012-12-12 14:03:14 -0500

Pat
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Beacon's dummy light is one of three that are still operating in the United States (all three in New York!). It is a traffic signal on a pedestal which sits in the middle of an intersection but just blinks to warn and not to regulate traffic. Our light was placed there in the 1920s when things were slower.

All Hail the Dummy Light!

answered 2012-12-12 15:15:07 -0500

aurora
111 ● 1 ● 2 ● 8

I can tell you for me it is a healthy reminder to not cut my left turn too early! I've seen drivers almost turn into oncoming traffic, and it was the dummy that directed them to go around the light. I'd venture to say it's not so...dumb, after all. It also makes for a unique Beacon icon! A local artist, Erica Hauser, did a lovely and simple postcard design of the light. I found one at Tas Kafé.

"Hail the dummy light," indeed!