Practice question

What should you do if a traffic signal is out of order?

  1. Proceed without stopping
  2. Treat the intersection like a four-way stop
  3. Follow the traffic of the main road
  4. Wait for a police officer to direct traffic

Answer: B — Treat the intersection like a four-way stop

When a traffic signal is out of order, treating the intersection like a four-way stop is the appropriate action to take. This means that all vehicles must come to a complete stop before proceeding. Since there are no functioning traffic lights to dictate right of way, this approach ensures safety and helps manage the flow of traffic effectively. Each driver can then determine when it is safe to proceed based on their observations of other vehicles and pedestrians at the intersection. The reason for this procedure is to reduce confusion and potential accidents that may arise when traffic signals fail. It standardizes the behavior of all drivers at that intersection, allowing them to take turns based on which vehicle arrives first. Following this procedure not only promotes safety but also enhances cooperation among drivers as they navigate the intersection together.

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