What To Do At An Intersection With Flashing Lights?

As drivers, we may occasionally come across intersections where traffic lights are flashing instead of functioning like we normally see them do. While this isn’t a common occurrence in Myrtle Beach, it’s important to understand how to respond in these situations to prevent car accidents and maintain smooth traffic flow. Flashing signals can indicate different rules depending on their color and placement, and knowing the correct actions that drivers should take can help prevent accidents and unnecessary congestion. Whether faced with a flashing red or yellow light, being prepared with the right knowledge can make all the difference in keeping the roads safe for everyone.

At The Lovely Law Firm, we believe that understanding the rules of the road is essential for keeping yourself and others safe when driving through Myrtle Beach. When it comes to intersections with flashing lights, knowing how to respond can help prevent serious accidents and the associated legal complications. As part of our commitment to keep our community safe, we want to keep Myrtle Beach drivers informed about traffic laws and safety guidelines to help reduce collisions and protect our community.

What Do Red Flashing Lights Mean?

A flashing red light at an intersection carries the same meaning as a stop sign. All drivers must come to a complete stop before proceeding. By treating a red flashing light as a stop sign, it ensures that traffic flows safely and reduces the risk of accidents. After stopping fully, drivers should only move forward when it is safe, and after they have properly yielded to others according to right-of-way rules.

Understanding Right-of-Way Rules

At a flashing red light, drivers must yield to any vehicles that arrive at the intersection first. If two or more vehicles reach the intersection at the same time, the driver on the right has the right of way, which means they can proceed first. When turning left, drivers must yield to oncoming traffic that is going straight through the intersection or turning right. Pedestrians in crosswalks always have the right of way, and all drivers must wait for them to cross safely before proceeding.

Whether at a standard intersection or a railroad crossing, treating a flashing red light with caution and knowing the correct way to proceed is essential. If a stop line or crosswalk is present, drivers must stop before crossing it. If there are no marked stopping points in the intersection, they should come to a complete stop before their vehicle enters the intersection, ensuring that it is clear before continuing. By following these rules, drivers can navigate flashing red lights safely and prevent unnecessary collisions.

What Do Yellow Flashing Lights Mean?

Flashing yellow lights at an intersection are typically seen when traffic signals are malfunctioning or during late-night hours when traffic volume is low. Unlike a flashing red light, which requires drivers to stop, a flashing yellow light warns you to be careful and to proceed with caution, and yield if there are people already crossing the intersection. While you are not required to stop, you should reduce your speed and be prepared to yield to another driver who has the right of way if necessary. This is because there may be cross-traffic moving through the intersection.

In many cases, when one street has a flashing yellow light, the cross street will have a flashing red light, meaning those drivers must come to a complete stop before proceeding. This setup helps maintain traffic flow while ensuring that vehicles entering the intersection from different directions do so safely. By staying alert and following these guidelines, drivers can navigate flashing yellow signals responsibly and help prevent accidents.

Who Is At Fault At An Intersection With Flashing Lights?

Flashing traffic signals are a clear indication for drivers to slow down and proceed with caution. If another driver fails to do so or fails to adhere to the driver who has the right of way and causes an accident, they could be held responsible for the collision. However, proving fault in these situations can be challenging, especially if there are no traffic cameras at the intersection. While police officers will thoroughly document the scene, gather witness statements, assess the available evidence, and create a Myrtle Beach police report, it may not be enough to prove liability. If they incorrectly assign fault to you, it could impact your ability to recover compensation for your damages.

If you know you were not at fault or believe you are being unfairly blamed for causing an accident at an intersection with flashing lights, The Lovely Law Firm is here to help. Our experienced Myrtle Beach car accident attorneys can investigate your case, gather crucial evidence, and challenge any inaccurate findings in the accident report. Our team works tirelessly to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other types of compensation you may be entitled to. Contact us today for a free case consultation to discuss your intersection accident case and learn how we can advocate for you.