Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers | March 18, 2025 | Car Accidents
Many new and experienced drivers don’t know what to do when they come across flashing lights at intersections. While intersections are high-risk zones for car crashes, traffic lights usually offer some degree of order as vehicles approach from different directions. Without properly functioning lights, the risk of collisions goes up significantly, especially in New York.
What to Do When You See Flashing Red Lights
Flashing red lights work just like stop signs.
When you see them, you should:
- Come to a complete stop
- Look in all directions for other cars
- Let vehicles that arrived before you go first
- Only proceed when it’s safe
Remember, flashing red lights mean that the intersection is now a four-way stop. Many car accidents happen because drivers don’t stop completely or don’t know who should go first.
What to Do When You See Flashing Yellow Lights
Flashing yellow lights alert drivers to be careful. You don’t have to stop, but you should slow down and pay extra attention.
When you see flashing yellow lights:
- Slow down significantly
- Check for cars coming from other directions
- Be ready to stop if needed
- Proceed carefully
You have the right of way with flashing yellow lights. However, that doesn’t mean you should speed through.
Why Do Traffic Lights Flash?
Traffic signals usually flash for one of the following reasons:
- The power is out
- Maintenance workers are fixing them
- It’s late at night when there’s not much traffic
- Emergencies or special events require traffic pattern changes
New York City has approximately 13,500 intersections with traffic signals. Consequently, a city-wide blackout or power outage brought on by bad weather could potentially affect tens of thousands of drivers in minutes.
What New York Law Says About Flashing Lights
New York Vehicle & Traffic Law Section 1117 specifies what drivers should do at intersections when the signals aren’t working right. Generally, motorists should treat these intersections as if they have stop signs, meaning all cars must come to a complete stop before going through.
How to Deal With Other Drivers at Flashing Lights
One of the trickiest aspects of navigating flashing light intersections is figuring out what other drivers will do. Many drivers don’t know the rules or choose not to follow them.
Here are some helpful tips for when you approach an intersection with flashing lights:
- Try to make eye contact with other drivers
- Use your turn signals
- Go slowly, even when you have the right of way
- Watch carefully for pedestrians and cyclists
In New York City, where accidents happen all too often, drivers should pay close attention to the movements of those around them.
What to Do in Bad Weather With Flashing Lights
Flashing traffic lights are common during storms in New York.
When this happens:
- Drive even slower than usual
- Leave more space between you and the vehicle ahead
- Remember that wet or icy roads make it harder to stop
- Turn on your headlights so others can see you
The combination of bad weather and unusual traffic patterns makes driving at intersections especially dangerous.
Tips for Walking Near Flashing Lights
If you come to an intersection with flashing signals while on foot, follow these best practices:
- Never assume that drivers will stop
- Try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing
- Use crosswalks even more carefully than usual
- Consider finding another place to cross if possible
Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks, but having rights doesn’t prevent injuries. It’s important to exercise caution at all times.
Safety First at Flashing Lights
Motorists should be more concerned with safety over who has the right of way at intersections with flashing lights. When drivers are unsure of what to do, it becomes everyone’s responsibility to ensure roadway safety.
Luckily, New York’s Department of Transportation takes outages and other issues seriously, often sending out maintenance workers within two hours of a reported malfunction.
Contact the New York City Law Car Accident Firm of Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Manhattan, NY, and need legal help, contact our car accident lawyers at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We also serve in Brooklyn and the Bronx.
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Brooklyn, NY 11201
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