Final answer:
When traffic lights are out, drivers should stop completely before proceeding through the intersection, following four-way stop rules to ensure safety and prevent accidents.
Step-by-step explanation:
When traffic control lights are not working, the standard procedure is for drivers to treat the intersection as if it is governed by a four-way stop. This means that you must come to a complete stop before entering the intersection and yield the right-of-way according to the rules of the jurisdiction you are driving in. Generally, the driver who arrives first at the intersection goes first. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. This practice ensures the safety of all road users, including pedestrian safety, and helps prevent accidents, such as the significant number of collisions and traffic issues that were reported at the intersection before the installation of a traffic signal.