What do you do if the traffic lights are out at an intersection?

When traffic lights are out at an intersection, the correct action is to treat it as a four-way stop. This is crucial for maintaining safety and order on the roads during such situations.

By treating the intersection as a four-way stop, you ensure that all vehicles have an opportunity to safely navigate through the intersection. Each driver should come to a complete stop and yield the right-of-way according to the rules of a stop sign. This helps prevent confusion and potential accidents that can arise if drivers attempt to proceed through an intersection with non-functional traffic lights without stopping.

It’s important to note that making this right decision enhances safety not just for yourself but also for other drivers and pedestrians. Other options presented may lead to dangerous situations. For example, calling 911 and waiting for police can cause unnecessary delays and does not address the immediate need for order at the intersection. Proceeding with caution without stopping could lead to collisions, as other drivers might not exert the same caution. Ignoring the intersection completely is unsafe and could result in severe accidents. Thus, recognizing the traffic lights as out and acting accordingly as a four-way stop is the safest and most effective response.