Traffic signs and signals are installed to ensure the orderly flow of traffic. By controlling the road users traveling in one or more directions, these devices reduce the risk of car accidents.
However, these signals sometimes malfunction. Although drivers learn how to handle flashing lights during their driver’s education courses, they may forget how to handle these signals when they encounter them in real life.
Situations in Which Road Users Encounter Flashing Lights
Some traffic lights are meant to flash. For example, railroad crossings use flashing red lights and warning sounds to alert drivers of an oncoming train. Likewise, school buses use flashing red lights to instruct drivers not to pass.
Flashing yellow lights are used on school zone speed limit signs to warn drivers to slow down, thereby reducing the risk of pedestrian accidents. Work zone warning signs may also use flashing yellow lights for similar reasons.
Although they are less common, you may also see intersection lights designed to flash. For example, an intersection at the end of a freeway ramp or the bottom of a hill might have a flashing red light to warn drivers of a stop sign. These lights are often installed when many drivers fail to stop at the stop sign.
Some intersections have flashing yellow lights to warn drivers that cross-traffic does not stop or that a fire engine may unexpectedly emerge from a nearby fire station. Drivers may also see flashing lights when the traffic signals malfunction. Some traffic signals are designed to default to a flashing pattern when the controller malfunctions or is unable to connect to the lights.
What Does a Flashing Red Light Mean?
Drivers must treat a flashing red signal as they would a stop sign. Specifically, the driver must stop behind the stop line or crosswalk. They must wait there until the traffic with the right-of-way clears. In other words, since the light will not change to green, they must exercise their judgment to determine when they have a gap in traffic large enough to proceed.
This also means that when the lights are flashing red in multiple directions, drivers should treat the intersection as they would a multi-way stop sign. Thus, drivers may proceed in the order that they arrive at the intersection. If two drivers arrive at the same time, the driver on the right has the right of way.
What Does a Flashing Yellow Light Mean?
At an intersection, a flashing yellow light indicates that drivers should exercise caution. They are not required to stop at the light. Instead, they can proceed as long as the way is clear.
Liability for Intersection Accidents with Flashing Lights
Suppose that you get into a crash with a driver who does not know what a flashing red or flashing yellow light means. The liability for the collision will typically fall on the driver who violated the traffic rule. This principle applies regardless of the driver’s reason for disobeying the signal.
In other words, it does not matter whether the driver was distracted, forgot the rule, or was unaware of the rule. Drivers have a legal duty to understand the laws of the road and reasonably follow them.
Contact Our Peoria Car Accident Lawyer at Joel E. Brown, P.C. for a Free Consultation
Flashing lights can pose a hazard to road users. Drivers do not often encounter flashing lights and may forget how to respond to them when they do. Following the rules and exercising caution may help you avoid a collision at these intersections.
To learn more, contact our skilled personal injury attorney at Joel E. Brown, P.C to schedule a free consultation. We are conveniently located in Peoria and proudly serve Peoria County, IL, and the neighboring communities.
Joel E. Brown, P.C
416 Main Street Suite 1300, Peoria, IL 61602
(309) 673 4357
Available 24/7