Todd Lasky | March 27, 2025 | Uncategorized
Sooner or later you’re going to run into an intersection with flashing lights. One fact you can know for certain is that you are expected to react differently to a flashing light than to a solid light. Pennsylvania law tells you what to do at an intersection with flashing lights.
It can benefit you to learn the rules by heart, because when you run into an intersection with flashing lights you might not have time to think.
What Does a Flashing Red Light Mean?
Under Pennsylvania law, a flashing red light is equivalent to a four-way stop. Come to a complete stop before you enter the intersection. Look both ways and cross the intersection only when you can do so safely. Err on the side of caution, because there is a fairly good chance that there will be a driver coming along the cross street who doesn’t understand the rules.
What Does a Flashing Yellow Light Mean?
At an intersection, a flashing yellow light means “caution.” Slow down and proceed with caution. You don’t have to stop unless the situation warrants it, but be prepared to stop at any moment anyway. A flashing yellow light often signals the presence of a road hazard such as a construction zone. Take special care at night.
What Does a Flashing Yellow Arrow Mean?
A solid yellow light means that a red light is imminent. By contrast, a flashing yellow arrow will not be followed by a red light. Instead, it means you can turn in the direction of the arrow as soon as the road is clear. Yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic from the cross street. Always remember that when you turn, oncoming traffic will have a green light.
What Are the Rules When the Light Is Completely Out?
You might run into a completely unregulated intersection where the traffic light is not flashing, but completely black. This might happen during a power outage or if the light malfunctions. The law states that this scenario should be treated as if the intersection were a four-way stop (the same as if it were flashing red lights).
If you don’t realize that the intersection has a light but it’s just malfunctioning, you might assume that the drivers on the cross street have a red light. Meanwhile, they might assume that you have a red light. This misunderstanding could cause both of you to zoom into the intersection at the same time, possibly resulting in a devastating car accident or even a wrongful death.
Dealing With Other Drivers
Just because you know what to do at an intersection with flashing lights doesn’t mean other drivers know what to do. Any uncertainty, even from another driver, can put you in great danger if you’re not particularly careful. Observe the following tips with respect to other drivers at an intersection with flashing lights:
- Try to make eye contact with the other driver.
- Use your turn signal to communicate your intentions.
- Proceed slowly and with great care, even if you have the right of way. Keep an eye on what the other driver is doing or not doing.
- Watch out for pedestrians and cyclists.
The general principle to remember is to maintain situational awareness at all times.
A Lawyer Is a Practical Necessity for a Serious Car Accident Injury
Were you injured in a car accident because another driver made the wrong move at an intersection? If another driver caused your injuries, you might qualify for more compensation than you realize. Move quickly to set up a free initial consultation with a local personal injury lawyer.
Contact Our Car Accidents Law Firm in Philadelphia Today To Get Help With Your Case
To learn more and get the help you deserve, call Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers at (215) 875-7030 or contact us online.
You can also visit our law firm at 123 S Broad St #1220, Philadelphia, PA 19109.
