Treat dark traffic lights as four-way stops
A Facebook post titled “Traffic Tip Tuesday” said drivers who encounter an intersection where the traffic signal is out should treat it as a four-way stop.
The post listed simple steps to follow: slow down, come to a complete stop, take turns proceeding, yield to pedestrians and watch for drivers who may be unsure what to do. It also urged motorists to be patient, noting that a few extra seconds can help prevent a serious crash and keep everyone safe on the roads.
Treating a dark signal as a four-way stop is standard traffic-safety guidance in many communities because it clarifies right of way and reduces the risk of collisions when signals fail. Intersections can become especially hazardous during power outages, storms or after crashes, when drivers and pedestrians may be uncertain how to proceed.
Officials advise drivers to stay alert, make eye contact with other motorists when possible and proceed only when it is safe. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
