Final answer:
During a traffic signal blackout, an intersection should be treated as a four-way stop. This approach is essential for road safety and the safe passage of pedestrians. Functional traffic signals are crucial for regulating traffic and reducing accidents.
Step-by-step explanation:
During a traffic signal blackout, you should treat an intersection as a four-way stop. This is critical for maintaining road safety in the absence of working traffic signals. In situations where traffic lights are not operational, such as during a blackout, it is common driving etiquette and often mandated by traffic regulations to treat the intersection as if each approach has a stop sign. This ensures that all drivers will stop and proceed in a manner that prevents accidents and allows for the safe crossing of pedestrians, who may be navigating the area, frequently including students coming to or leaving campus.
Moreover, installing a traffic signal at intersections can dramatically enhance safety. Not only does it regulate vehicle speed by preventing cars from speeding through, but it also significantly improves pedestrian safety by allowing them to cross at designated times. Furthermore, a properly functioning traffic signal can effectively reduce the likelihood of accidents, as intersections with high traffic volumes and increased rates of accidents benefit from such controlled measures.