How should a driver treat a malfunctioning traffic light?

When encountering a malfunctioning traffic light, the appropriate action is to treat it as a four-way stop. This means that drivers should come to a complete stop and check for any oncoming vehicles or pedestrians before proceeding. This approach helps to ensure safety at an intersection where the traffic signals are not functioning as intended.

Treating the situation as a four-way stop is grounded in standard traffic laws and practices that prioritize safety for all road users. In an intersection with malfunctioning signals, there may be confusion among drivers regarding the right of way. By following the four-way stop rule, drivers can make the intersection safer by allowing each vehicle a chance to proceed in an orderly manner.

Options suggesting continued driving without stopping or ignoring the light could lead to dangerous situations, as they don’t account for other vehicles or pedestrians who may be in the intersection. Similarly, treating it merely as a yield sign would not adequately address the potential for conflicting traffic flow, as it suggests less caution than a full stop, which could result in accidents. Therefore, treating a malfunctioning traffic light as a four-way stop ensures that all drivers can navigate the intersection with caution and care.