What should you do at an intersection where the traffic lights are not functional?

When you encounter an intersection where the traffic lights are not functioning, treating it as a four-way stop is the appropriate response. This means that all vehicles must come to a complete stop before proceeding, allowing drivers to assess the situation and determine who has the right of way. This method not only ensures safety but also helps to maintain an orderly flow of traffic in a potentially chaotic situation where the signals are absent.

In this context, when all vehicles yield or stop at the intersection, drivers can negotiate their movements based on common courtesy and established traffic rules. This practice reduces the risk of collisions and ensures that all road users are aware that they need to behave collectively, as if the stop signs were in place.

Other approaches, such as merely driving through cautiously or ignoring other vehicles, could lead to accidents, as they disregard the basic rules of road safety during unexpected scenarios. Waiting for a police officer to direct traffic may not always be practical, especially in remote areas or during off-hours when an officer may not be present immediately. Therefore, recognizing a non-functional traffic light as a situation that necessitates a four-way stop is essential for safe driving.