What are the rules when the lights at an intersection are all flashing red?
TOPEKA ( KSNT ) – Flashing lights at an intersection usually signify something has gone wrong or something out of the ordinary is taking place. But how are drivers supposed to react?
KSNT 27 News reached out to the City of Topeka and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) for answers on how drivers are supposed to navigate an intersection when all of the traffic lights are flashing red. City of Topeka spokesman Dan Garrett gave a few reasons for why this scenario might occur including:
Power outages or electrical issues affecting the light cycles.
Planned maintenance or repairs.
Emergency overrides by public safety officials during events or emergencies.
KDOT tells drivers to stop at a clearly marked stop line on the ground, if one exists, at a point closest to the intersecting road. Drivers can then see approaching traffic on the intersecting road before moving into the intersection with the right to move forward subject to the same rules as when stopping at a stop sign. These rules come from the national Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices kept by the U.S. Department of Transportation ( DOT ).
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"Flashing red lights at an intersection mean it should be treated as an all-way stop," Garrett said. "The driver to the right, or the first to arrive and come to a complete stop has the right-of-way."
Garrett said police encourage drivers to be both patient and courteous in these scenarios, especially when people may be confused on who has the right-of-way. Not following these rules can increase the chances of a crash occurring.
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