How should you treat an intersection when traffic lights are out?

When traffic lights are out, the proper protocol is to treat the intersection as a four-way stop. This means that all vehicles approaching the intersection must come to a complete stop, assess any oncoming traffic, and then proceed through the intersection in a safe and orderly manner.

Treating the intersection as a four-way stop helps to maintain safety for all drivers and pedestrians. It ensures that each driver has an equal opportunity to enter the intersection and reduces the risk of accidents that can occur when drivers are unsure of who has the right of way. This procedure is especially important when lights are malfunctioning, as it eliminates confusion and promotes cautious driving behavior.

In contrast, continuing through without stopping could result in collisions, especially if other vehicles have also approached the intersection. Yielding to the left might not always be clear-cut and could lead to misunderstandings between drivers. Likewise, following the vehicle in front of you could also be dangerous, as that vehicle might not be making the safe decision. Therefore, adhering to the four-way stop rule is crucial during these situations.