Final answer:
If a traffic signal isn't working at an intersection, drivers should treat it as a four-way stop, with the first vehicle to stop having the right of way. Pedestrian safety and the potential increased risk of accidents underscore the importance of reporting the issue. Drivers and pedestrians need to exercise caution until the signal is repaired.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a traffic signal isn't working at an intersection, it's critical for drivers to treat the situation as if the intersection has stop signs in all directions, effectively making it a four-way stop. This rule means that the first vehicle to come to a complete stop at the intersection has the right of way to proceed first. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
Further, considering the potential safety hazards such an issue poses, it is important to recognize the reasons for installing a traffic signal. Increased traffic flow due to nearby business and industrial growth, as well as the need for pedestrian safety for those crossing to and from places like schools and campuses, are significant factors. An increase in the number of accidents, especially those resulting in serious injuries or fatalities, reinforces the need for a properly functioning traffic signal.
When faced with a non-operational traffic signal, drivers should exercise caution, reduce speed, and be prepared to stop. It's equally important for pedestrians to be aware of the malfunction and cross with even greater care. In the meantime, reporting the malfunctioning traffic signal to local authorities can help facilitate a quick resolution, restoring the intersection's safety mechanisms as soon as possible.