What does it mean if a traffic signal is out?

When a traffic signal is out, it is essential to treat the intersection as a four-way stop. This means that all vehicles approaching the intersection must stop and yield to traffic already in the intersection or to vehicles that arrive before them. The rationale behind this is to maintain safety at the intersection when the usual traffic control signals are not functioning. By treating it as a four-way stop, drivers are required to take turns and exercise caution, which significantly reduces the risk of collisions that could occur in a situation where drivers are uncertain of their right of way.

This is a critical rule because it helps establish a clear protocol for all motorists, ensuring that everyone understands the expected behavior in the absence of normal traffic control signals. Proper knowledge of how to navigate intersections with non-functioning signals is vital for safe driving practices.