Traffic Light Outage. Do You Know What to Do?
Winter weather can cause traffic light outages along with various power outages. It is important to know what to do when you come to a traffic light outage or signal that is out. If you ask most Michiganders they will probably say to “treat it as a four-way stop sign”. Believe it or not this would actually be incorrect.
According to a Detroit Free Press article the Michigan State Police say we should follow the right of way requirements and not necessarily a four way stop. Instead, we should treat it as a four-way-yield. This is because four-way-stops can cause massive back ups and delays. Using a four way yield means you would yield to the person to the left of you when you reach the intersection at the same time. All rules apply to the requirements of yielding which include allowing the person with right of way to pass through the intersection before the next car enters the intersection.
Also, be aware of downed power lines and trees during heavy snow falls and ice storms. Seek alternate routes or wait for emergency services to arrive if you are caught in an impassible situation. Downed power lines and trees are nothing to mess with! We recommend carrying emergency kits in your car especially during the winter months. Here are a few other items to have in your car during winter:
- Blanket and dry warm clothes, and gloves
- Kitty litter, Rock salt or sand
- Shovel
- Flashlight
- Extra Windshield washer fluid
- Rope or Chains
- Jumper Cables
- Small Tool Kits
- Spare Tire or Fix a Flat
- Water
- Sunglasses (snow can be reflective and cause hard-to-see situations during sunny days or white-outs)
- Cell Phone Charger
For additional information on the rules of the road and advice on equipping your car visit our website: https://www.allstardrivereducation.com
All Star driving school is a leader in student safety.