You’re approaching a flashing red traffic light at an intersection. What should you do? What if the flashing light is yellow?
If you’re an experienced driver, you may already know that you should treat a flashing red light like a stop sign and that a flashing yellow light means you must slow down and yield to cross traffic. Whether you’re a driver, a cyclist, or a pedestrian, you can do your part for road safety by brushing up on the rules of the road and traffic light rules.
Understanding Different Types of Flashing Lights
Most intersection traffic lights are solid green, yellow, or red. Flashing lights can occur for several different reasons, including:
- Power outages
- Hazardous conditions
- Traffic control
Flashing red lights are most common when there’s a power outage. Flashing yellow lights are often used to warn drivers to yield or proceed with caution.
Right-of-Way Rules at Intersections with Flashing Lights
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-112 describes how to proceed when encountering flashing lights.
What Does a Flashing Red Light Mean at an Intersection?
When you see a flashing red light at an intersection, you must treat the intersection as if there is a stop sign. Drivers should come to a complete stop at the light. Your next steps depend on whether other cars are present, when they arrived, and whether they’re signaling a turn.
- If no other vehicles are waiting at the intersection or approaching the intersection, you can proceed.
- A traffic signal blackout should be treated like a four-way stop.
- Yield to any vehicles that arrived first. Take turns in order of arrival.
- If more than one car arrives simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way.
- If two cars arrive at the same time on opposite sides of the intersection, the driver going straight or making a right turn has the right-of-way over a driver making a left turn.
Cyclists are subject to the same rules as motorists. Pedestrians have the right-of-way in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. Drivers must come to a complete stop and allow pedestrians to cross before proceeding.
What Does a Flashing Yellow Light Mean at an Intersection?
A solid yellow light means to slow down and get ready to stop because the light is about to change to red. However, a flashing yellow light at an intersection means something different. If a yellow light is flashing, it’s telling you to proceed with caution. If the intersection is clear, you may move forward or make a turn. A flashing yellow arrow means you must yield to oncoming traffic before turning.
Both pedestrians and cyclists should proceed with caution, knowing that vehicles do not have to come to a complete stop at yellow flashing lights.
Safety Tips for Navigating Flashing Light Intersections
These easy safety tips will help you keep everyone on the road safe:
- Slow down, stay alert, and exercise caution when approaching a flashing traffic light.
- Always yield to anyone already in the intersection, whether pedestrians, bikes, or motor vehicles.
- Use turn signals when making a turn.
- Make eye contact with other drivers and people on foot. It can help you determine whether they’ve seen you.
- Watch out for confusion from other road users who are unfamiliar with the rules.
Contact The Terry Law Firm for Legal Help After an Intersection Accident
If you’ve been injured in an intersection accident, our experienced car accident attorneys want to help you seek maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering, and more. Contact The Terry Law Firm today for a free consultation.
