Because of possible power outages in the next few days due to fire danger, Southern California motorists may find themselves driving through areas with non-functioning traffic signals. The Automobile Club of Southern California is reminding drivers that they should treat intersections with disabled traffic signals as four-way stops, and exercise caution, patience and courtesy.
“The general rules for safely driving through an intersection with a blacked-out signal are the same as those for a four-way stop,” said Anita Lorz Villagrana, the Auto Club’s community programs and traffic safety manager. “Although we hope that power outages won’t disable signals on major arterial streets, there is a possibility we could experience some traffic congestion from disabled signals. It’s important to be patient in these situations, as frustrating as they can be.”
At an intersection with a disabled signal, drivers should:
- Come to a complete stop.
- Cross the intersection when it’s “their turn.” If two vehicles traveling in different directions arrive at the intersection at the same time, the driver on the right has the right-of-way.
- If it is a multi-lane major intersection, cross the intersection in an alternating pattern with the flow of traffic, allowing for left turns.
- Be courteous to drivers making left turns, and exercise caution if turning left.
- Watch out for drivers who aren’t following the four-way stop rules.