What better way to start your Monday than with a city-wide power outage?
Drivers in the Summerville area faced an electrical outage that left traffic lights out across the city, according to Live 5 News.
The Summerville P.D. Dispatch posted the following on X:
“The Summerville Police Department is aware of traffic light being completely out across the town due to electrical outages. Please drive carefully and most importantly, stay safe on the roadways today.”
While the traffic lights eventually returned, many drivers are asking the same question: What should you do when a traffic light goes out?
Traffic Light Protocol: What to Do When a Signal is Broken or Malfunctioning
When a traffic light is broken or malfunctioning, roadways can become even more dangerous.
According to the Department of Transportation, signalized intersections represent about one-third of all intersection fatalities. When faced with an intersection where the traffic light is out, it’s critical to your safety, as well as, the safety of those around you to know how to proceed before adding to the statistics.
If the intersection you are approaching has a broken or malfunctioning traffic light, here is how to move forward safely:
Act as if a Stop Sign is Present
When approaching an intersection with an out-of-order traffic light, move forward in the same way you would at a stop-sign-controlled intersection. Bring your vehicle to a complete stop at the marked stop line, if present, or before entering the intersection.
The Right-of-Way Rules Apply Here
At an intersection controlled by stop signs, referred to as unsignalized intersections, you often follow a rule known as the “right of way.”
At a four-way intersection, if you come to a complete stop first before the other drivers around you, you have what is known as the “right of way” or the right to proceed through the intersection first, since you were the first to stop.
When more than one vehicle stops at a stop sign at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right, and the right-side driver can move forward through the intersection.
Right on Red?
In South Carolina, it is legal to make a right turn at a red light, unless there is a sign stating otherwise. At an out-of-order traffic signal, come to a complete stop and only make a right turn after checking for approaching traffic and determining if it is safe to proceed.
Who’s to Blame for an Accident at an Intersection with an Out-of-Order Traffic Light?
Following all the rules at an out-of-order traffic light intersection can still result in the worst-case scenario: a car accident. In the event of a car accident at an intersection with a malfunctioning or broken traffic light, who is to blame?
Our Charleston personal injury attorneys say that fault may be more challenging to determine than you may believe.
As a general rule, a driver who failed to comply with roadway expectations when a traffic light was broken, such as failing to come to a complete stop or yield the right-of-way, would likely be held responsible. However, other factors, such as speeding or distracted driving, must be considered to determine whether full responsibility lies with one driver or is shared among all parties.
If you were involved in an accident at a broken traffic light, our law firm in Charleston can help. After an initial consultation with a car accident attorney, we will help you determine the next steps and how we can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Don’t Yield Your Compensation – Contact Hoffman Law Firm Today
Whether an intersection’s traffic light was malfunctioning, broken, or the victim of a power outage, one piece of knowledge remains clear, you are entitled to compensation in the event of the unimaginable.
As one of the leading law firms in Georgetown and Charleston, SC, our team has years of experience helping people navigate the unthinkable. We are proud to advocate for accident victims throughout the Palmetto State and are happy to help you navigate this tumultuous time.
We have established a reputation for success and excellent service! To meet with a member of our team, schedule your free consultation today! Our car accident attorneys in Mount Pleasant, SC, are proud to serve the surrounding areas, from Summerville to Charleston to Georgetown.
