Final answer:
Drivers should treat non-working traffic signals as a four-way stop to ensure safety. Traffic signals are crucial for controlling speed at intersections and protecting pedestrian safety, especially near campuses. They also reduce the frequency of accidents at dangerous intersections.
Step-by-step explanation:
When drivers encounter non-working traffic signals, they are advised to treat the intersection as a four-way stop. This rule is important for maintaining safety and order on the roads, especially considering various factors that necessitate the installation of traffic signals. For example, traffic signals are critical in places where many vehicles speed through an intersection without regard for the posted speed limit, creating safety hazards. The absence of a working signal means each driver must stop and take turns proceeding through the intersection.
Moreover, the presence of traffic signals greatly enhances pedestrian safety, particularly in areas frequented by students or individuals crossing to and from destinations such as a campus. Without a functioning traffic signal, pedestrians are left to navigate through busy traffic, which could result in accidents or even casualties. Lastly, traffic signals are installed to reduce the number of accidents, which, according to recent police reports, may occur frequently at unsafe intersections, sometimes leading to tragic outcomes like loss of life.