If a traffic light at an intersection is broken or not functioning, you should:
Answers
Stop and wait for it to be repaired.
Stop and wait for a police officer to arrive.
Continue as if the intersection is a four-way stop.
Continue as you normally would.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Continue as if the intersection is a four-way stop.
Explanation:
When a traffic light is broken or not functioning at an intersection, the general rule of the road is that drivers should treat the intersection as if it were a four-way stop. This means that all drivers approaching the intersection must come to a complete stop before proceeding, and the usual right-of-way rules for four-way stop intersections should apply.
In a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop is the first vehicle allowed to proceed. If two or more vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right of way. If you are unsure of the order or it is unclear who arrived first, it is always safest to yield and allow other vehicles to go first if necessary.
This procedure ensures the safety of all drivers and pedestrians and helps to avoid accidents when traffic signals are out of service. The reason for this rule is that, in the absence of working traffic signals, it is crucial to establish a system for determining who has the right of way, preventing confusion and chaos at the intersection.
It is important to be extra cautious in such situations. Drivers should reduce speed, scan the intersection thoroughly for other vehicles, and wait until it is safe to proceed. You should never continue as if the intersection is functioning normally, as doing so could result in dangerous accidents.
Stopping and waiting for a police officer to arrive or for the traffic light to be repaired is not a practical response because it would cause significant delays and disruptions in traffic flow. Always proceed with caution, follow right-of-way rules, and be alert to other drivers’ actions when the signal is not working.