What should you do if you encounter a traffic signal that is not functioning?

When you encounter a traffic signal that is not functioning, treating it as a four-way stop is the appropriate action. This means that all vehicles approaching the intersection must come to a complete stop and yield to any vehicles that arrived at the intersection before them. If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has the right of way. This practice is based on common traffic rules to ensure safety and predictability at intersections where signals are not operational.

Following this procedure helps to prevent confusion and potential accidents, as all drivers are required to stop and assess the situation before proceeding. It ensures that everyone has the opportunity to navigate the intersection safely and reduces the likelihood of collisions that could occur if drivers simply continued to drive without stopping at a non-functioning signal.

Continuing to drive as usual would not be safe, as it could lead to accidents. Treating it as a yield sign would also not provide enough caution, as yielding does not require a complete stop. While calling the authorities is a good step to report the issue, it does not address the immediate need to navigate the intersection safely. Hence, the best approach is to handle the situation as if it were a four-way stop.