How should you respond to a red light that is malfunctioning?

Answer: C — Treat it as a four-way stop

When dealing with a malfunctioning red light, the appropriate response is to treat the situation as a four-way stop. This means that all vehicles approaching the intersection should come to a complete stop before proceeding. This method ensures safety by allowing each vehicle to yield the right of way according to the rules of a four-way stop, preventing confusion or accidents that could occur if drivers acted differently. In this scenario, treating the intersection as a four-way stop balances the flow of traffic and gives all drivers the opportunity to assess oncoming traffic before making their decision. It emphasizes caution and respect for other drivers and pedestrians in the area, which is crucial when signals are not functioning as intended. Other approaches, such as proceeding through without stopping or waiting for a police officer, could lead to chaos and potential collisions, while treating it merely as a stop sign limits the proper flow of traffic regarding multiple lanes. Adhering to the four-way stop protocol in this case provides a structured and safe resolution to the issue.