Drivers reminded how to cross intersections when lights are down

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) – Elmira Police say it’s common to see drivers cross intersections improperly when traffic lights are down. Outages after Monday’s severe storms proved to be another example.

“If you approach a traffic light that is malfunctioning in any way, whether it’s completely dark, it’s flashing or anything like that, it should always be approached as a four-way stop sign,” said Sergeant Joseph Linehan of the Elmira P.D. Traffic Bureau.

“So, you should approach it. You should stop, and not just stop and then proceed through the intersection. Stop. Take a look. Make sure that other cars are aware that it’s out, that they are stopping as well before proceeding into the intersection. Again, it’s the same thing as if you would approach a four-way stop. Don’t assume that the other cars are going to stop but you yourself stop. Proceed with caution into the intersection to avoid any collisions,” Sgt. Linehan added.

“Traffic lights go down for a bunch of reasons. There’s electrical issues, there’s other car accidents that may have taken out a portion of an area for the electric and it’s just a matter of time of getting it back up and running. So, it’s not just storms that cause lights to go out. There’s a myriad of reasons as to why they go down, but the approach to a malfunctioning traffic light should always be the same.”

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles says the car that stops at the intersection first has the right of way. We asked Sgt. Linehan to remind us how four-way stop signs work.

“If you approach a four-way stop sign and there’s backed up traffic, it’s on a turn basis,” said Sgt. Linehan. “So, you should yield to the car to your left. If there’s a vehicle who’s already starting into the intersection, just be patient. Everybody’s trying to get everywhere, all at the same time. But it’s going to hold you up even more if you’re involved in a collision. So just take your time, be patient and just proceed safely through the intersection.”

18 News also reached out to the Diehr’s Driving School in Pine City. Sherrill Diehr told us if more than one car arrives at a four way-stop, and you are not sure who stopped first, you should try to be courteous and let the other car go. “You can wave to the other driver to signal they can go. The priority is to get through the intersection safely.”

We asked Sgt. Linehan if there is anything else drivers should know when navigating roads after a storm.

“Just be aware construction crews are out trying to remove debris, remove trees, things like that. Make sure that you’re slowing down if you see an obstruction in the road up ahead and if you can avoid it by taking a different route to prevent traffic congestion,” Sgt. Linehan said. “That’s always the best course of action. If you see construction crews in the road, give them the space to work. They’re trying to get the roads clear. They’re trying to be safe and make sure that nobody gets hit or anything like that. Try not to go around construction trucks if you can avoid it.”

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