When you’re out and about, you expect all the traffic lights you encounter to work like they normally do. However, have you ever happened upon one of your usual lights and found that it’s unexpectedly flashing yellow or red? For many drivers, flashing lights just aren’t as intuitive as the standard traffic signals. They can be confusing, too, if you haven’t dealt with them before.
Hesitating at an unfamiliar signal doesn’t always mean certain danger, but misinterpreting how you’re supposed to respond to these lights can lead to serious mishaps and even car accidents. With that in mind, here’s a closer look at what flashing lights mean and what you should do when you come across them.
Flashing Yellow Lights: Proceed With Caution
A flashing yellow light at an intersection indicates a warning. Similar to a yellow traffic light, it’s basically telling you to proceed with caution. Treat it like a yield sign. Slow down, be alert, yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, and only proceed when it’s safe to do so.
Importantly, a flashing yellow light does not grant you the right of way. You’re still responsible for making sure the intersection is clear before continuing. You’ll often see flashing yellow lights on the road during off-peak hours or when a sensor detects a problem with the normal light sequence.
Flashing Red Lights: Stop
As anyone who’s passed driver’s ed knows, red means stop. Flashing red lights are no different from red traffic lights or stop signs in this regard. Treat them like a regular stop sign. Come to a complete stop, yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, and proceed only when it’s safe.
Flashing red lights are a critical safety measure, especially in intersections with high traffic volume or a history of accidents. They’re often used when all other lights at the intersection are malfunctioning, which underscores the importance of following the rules associated with them.
What if All the Lights Are Out?
Sometimes, you might reach an intersection and find that all the traffic lights are completely out. While this may seem like a scary predicament, there are rules of engagement to follow here. In this situation, you’d treat the intersection as a four-way stop. This means that all vehicles come to a complete stop at the intersection before passing through in the order they arrived in.
If two cars get to the intersection simultaneously, who has the right of way is determined by which direction they’re traveling in. Typically, the vehicle on the right goes first. This scenario can be especially challenging during rush hour or high-traffic times, so it’s essential to be patient and clearly communicate with other drivers.
When Do You See Flashing Lights?
Though they aren’t extremely common, flashing lights are often used to help in certain situations, such as:
- Malfunctioning Traffic Signals: If a traffic signal malfunctions due to power outages or equipment failures, flashing lights become a stand-in to maintain traffic flow
- Off-Peak Hours: Some intersections use flashing lights, especially yellow ones, late at night or early in the morning to safely reduce delays
- Construction Zones: Flashing lights might be used in construction zones to signal changes in traffic patterns or site hazards
- Emergencies: Law enforcement or emergency responders might use flashing lights to control traffic flow around accidents or other crises
Basically, if you run into flashing lights on the road, it’s more likely than not that something unexpected has happened, and extra measures are being put in place to keep everyone safe.
Contact the Kennesaw Car Accident Lawyers from Starks Byron, P.C. for Help Today
It’s easy to get tripped up by something you don’t expect to see on your daily commute. Though they’re certainly meant to catch your attention, there’s nothing too alarming about flashing lights — they’re just another kind of traffic signal. And just like with any other stoplight or street sign, all you need to do is follow the rules, and you’ll be safely on your way.
For more information, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Starks Byron, P.C. to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Kennesaw, GA today.
We proudly serve Cobb County and its surrounding areas:
Starks Byron, P.C.
1275 Shiloh Rd NW Ste 2710,
Kennesaw, GA 30144
(404) 795 5115
