Tipp of the Week: What to do when traffic lights aren’t working

Hello Tipp City! Marc the Cop here,

With the recent summer storms, I was driving to lunch when the power went out. The streetlights in this city had no battery backup installed, so the traffic lights went out!

I was stunned to see how many drivers disregarded any intersection discipline and drove through the intersections without stopping! The sight of this took me back to my nights on patrol when storms hit and our power in the city went out.

There are 13 intersections from Main Street and S. Co Rd 25-A to First Street that need traffic control.

25A, West Main Street, the interstate off-ramps, and W. Main at Hyatt St. are all interactions where major crashes have occurred. Needless to say, it adds a lot of stress to a midnight supervisor when that occurs. So, let's talk about what we need to do when the power goes out, and the traffic light is not functional.

When traffic lights go out, it can create confusion and increase the risk of accidents at intersections. It is crucial for motorists to understand how to navigate these situations safely and efficiently. Here are some guidelines for encountering an intersection with non-functioning traffic lights.

·         Treat the intersection as a Four-Way Stop. When traffic lights are out, the first rule of thumb is to treat the intersection as a four-way stop. This means that each driver should come to a complete stop at the intersection. Vehicles should proceed through the intersection in the order they arrived, giving the right-of-way to the vehicle on their right if they come simultaneously. This practice helps ensure a smooth and organized traffic flow, minimizing the potential for accidents.

·         Be Alert and Cautious when approaching an intersection with malfunctioning traffic lights. Reduce your speed and be prepared to stop. Look out for other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians who may also be navigating the intersection. Keep your eyes on the road and avoid distractions, such as using your phone or adjusting your car's radio. By staying alert, you can better anticipate the actions of other road users and react accordingly.

·         Use Turn Signals. Even though the traffic lights are not functioning, it's essential to use your turn signals to indicate your intended direction. This helps communicate your intentions to other drivers and can prevent misunderstandings or collisions. Make sure to signal well before your turn so that others have time to adjust their movements accordingly.

·         Yield to Emergency Vehicles. If you hear or see an emergency vehicle approaching the intersection, yield the right-of-way regardless of whose turn it is to go. Pull over to the side of the road if necessary and let the emergency vehicle pass safely. Ensuring that emergency vehicles can navigate intersections quickly and efficiently is critical to public safety.

·         Be Patient and Courteous. Patience and courtesy are essential when traffic lights are out. Remember that other drivers are likely experiencing the same confusion and frustration as you. When appropriate, yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and avoid aggressive driving behaviors such as honking, tailgating, or cutting off other drivers. A calm and considerate approach will help reduce stress for everyone on the road.

·         Consider Alternative Routes. If you encounter multiple intersections with non-functioning traffic lights or heavy traffic congestion, consider taking an alternate route to reach your destination. This can save time and reduce stress, especially if the outage is widespread or prolonged.

In summary, motorists should treat intersections as four-way stops, remain alert, use turn signals, yield to emergency vehicles, and exercise patience and courtesy when traffic lights go out. Following these guidelines, drivers can help maintain safety and order on the roads, even in challenging situations.

Remember the 9 PM routine! This nightly ritual is not just a task but a crucial step toward ensuring your safety and security. It reminds all residents to remove valuables from their vehicles, lock their vehicle doors, lock the doors to their residences, turn on exterior lights, and activate all alarms and security systems. By following this routine, you're protecting your property and contributing to the safety of our entire community.

That is all for this week! Please be safe, care for one another, and I'll see you in church on Sunday!

Sgt. Marc Basye (Ret.)

Do you have a suggestion for the Tipp of the Week? You can email me at Marcthecop@tippgazette.com!

The opinions and statements in this column are those of the author, who is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency. This column is for entertainment purposes only. Persons referred to may be fictional for comedic purposes only.