Flashing traffic lights can be confusing, especially when you are used to seeing a normal red, yellow, and green signal. In Arizona, the color of the flashing light tells you what to do. A flashing red light generally requires a full stop, while a flashing yellow light tells you to slow down and proceed with caution.
Knowing these rules can help you avoid a crash and safely share the intersection with drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
What Does a Flashing Red Light Mean in Arizona?
Under Arizona law, a flashing red traffic signal should be treated much like a stop sign. You must come to a complete stop before entering the intersection. After stopping, you can proceed when it is safe and you have the right-of-way.
The Arizona Driver License Manual also tells drivers to stop, check for traffic, and proceed with caution when the roadway is clear.
Do not assume other drivers will stop just because you did. Check for vehicles and pedestrians before moving through the intersection.
What Does a Flashing Yellow Light Mean?
A flashing yellow light does not require you to come to a complete stop. Instead, Arizona drivers should slow down and proceed with caution when the roadway is clear.
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) explains that flashing yellow lights can be used to alert motorists to conditions that require extra care. They may appear where a hazard or unusual roadway condition is not easy to see.
Reduce your speed, watch the surrounding traffic, and be prepared to stop if necessary.
What Should I Do When All Directions Have Flashing Red Lights?
When every driver at an intersection faces a flashing red light, treat the intersection like an all-way stop. Each driver must come to a complete stop before proceeding.
Drivers should:
- Stop completely before entering the intersection.
- Look for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vehicles.
- Pay attention to which vehicle arrived first.
- Yield when another driver has the right-of-way.
- Enter the intersection only when it is safe.
Avoid trying to race another vehicle through the intersection. Taking an extra moment to confirm that the path is clear can prevent a serious collision.
What Does a Flashing Yellow Arrow Mean?
A flashing yellow arrow is different from a standard flashing yellow light. According to ADOT, a driver facing a flashing yellow arrow may turn when it is safe.
However, the driver must yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians before making the turn. Do not assume oncoming traffic will stop.
Wait for a safe opening before turning. If traffic is heavy, you may need to wait through part or all of the signal cycle.
What if the Traffic Signal Is Not Working?
A traffic signal that is completely dark is different from one displaying flashing lights. The Arizona Driver License Manual instructs motorists approaching an inoperative traffic signal to treat it like a four-way stop.
Come to a complete stop before entering the intersection and proceed only when the roadway is clear. If two vehicles arrive at about the same time, the driver on the left should yield to the driver on the right.
Drivers should use extra caution because others may not understand how to handle the failed signal.
How Can You Stay Safe at an Intersection With Flashing Lights?
Even when you know the traffic rules, another driver may make a mistake. Defensive driving is especially important when a traffic signal is flashing or malfunctioning.
Slow down as you approach the intersection and give yourself time to see what other drivers are doing. Avoid distractions, watch for pedestrians, and never assume another motorist will yield.
If another driver’s failure to follow a flashing signal causes a crash, evidence such as witness statements, photographs, traffic-camera footage, and the police report may help establish what happened.
Contact the Glendale Car Accident Lawyers at AJ Law, PLC for Help Today
A crash at an intersection can happen when a driver ignores a flashing red light, fails to yield, or enters the intersection without making sure it is clear. If you were injured in an Arizona collision, you may have options for pursuing compensation for your losses.
For more information, contact the experienced Glendale car accident lawyers at AJ Law, PLC to schedule a free consultation today. Reach out to AJ Law, PLC for help today. We proudly serve clients throughout the greater Phoenix area and communities across Arizona, with offices in Glendale, Bullhead City, and Tucson.
AJ Law, PLC – Phoenix 7201 N 7th St Suite B, Phoenix, AZ 85020 Open 24/7 (602) 671-2363
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