The Malfunctioning Traffic Signal
You approach a four-way intersection in town at dusk. The traffic signal is dark - completely unlit, no flashing. Cross traffic is present on the left and right. You are in the right lane of two lanes going your direction, and a car is beside you in the left lane, slightly ahead. There is a pedestrian standing at the corner on your right, facing the crosswalk. A car behind you is following closely.
1. What does a dark signal mean, and who goes first?
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A completely dark or non-functioning signal should be treated like an all-way stop (in the absence of a police officer directing traffic or posted instructions). Come to a full stop, then proceed in the order vehicles arrived, or yield to the vehicle on your right if you arrive at the same time. Because cross traffic is present and the signal is out, do not assume anyone has a green light - treat every approach as a stop. The pedestrian at the corner also has priority once they enter the crosswalk.
2. The car beside you in the left lane starts to go. Should you go too?
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Not automatically. The car beside you may be turning or proceeding straight, and their movement does not clear your path - cross traffic on your right and the pedestrian at your corner still affect you. Check cross traffic both ways, confirm the pedestrian is not stepping into your path (and yield if they are), and proceed only when your own path is clear. Going just because the adjacent car moved is how intersection collisions happen. Also account for the tailgater behind you by braking early and smoothly so they have time to stop.
3. What is the safest way to clear the intersection once you decide to go?
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Proceed deliberately and predictably: after your full stop, move into the intersection only when you have confirmed cross traffic has stopped or is not coming, and yield to the pedestrian if they are crossing. Do not dart out to 'beat' the tailgater or the adjacent car. If cross traffic is heavy and the situation is unclear, wait for a clear gap or for an officer to direct traffic. When in doubt at a dead signal, patience and a clear view beat guessing.