If you encounter a malfunctioning traffic light at an intersection, what should you do?

When you encounter a malfunctioning traffic light at an intersection, treating it as a four-way stop is the appropriate response because it ensures safety and allows for an orderly flow of traffic. In this situation, every driver is required to yield to any vehicle that arrives at the intersection before them, just as they would at a standard stop sign. This practice promotes caution and awareness among drivers, reducing the likelihood of accidents.

By approaching the intersection with this mindset, drivers can communicate non-verbally with one another, establishing a temporary protocol that mimics a controlled intersection. It helps each vehicle make informed decisions based on the actions of other drivers, ensuring that everyone has a chance to navigate safely through the intersection.

Ignoring the signal or simply proceeding without stopping can lead to confusion and increase the risk of collisions, especially if other vehicles or pedestrians are present. Signaling other vehicles to stop is also not feasible or appropriate in this context, as it can lead to misunderstandings and disrupt the flow of traffic even further.