What is the proper action when dealing with a traffic signal outage?

When dealing with a traffic signal outage, the proper action is to treat it as a stop sign and proceed only when it is safe to do so. This approach is rooted in traffic safety guidelines that emphasize the importance of caution and making sure that all drivers are aware of the situation.

By treating the intersection as a stop sign, drivers must stop completely and yield to any other road users who have the right of way, which enhances safety for both vehicles and pedestrians. This method of handling a traffic signal outage ensures that drivers are making responsible decisions instead of assuming they can proceed without stopping.

Other options, such as ignoring the signal and proceeding as normal, fail to account for the potential dangers of an intersection without a functioning traffic signal and could lead to accidents. Accelerating to clear the intersection quickly poses significant risks, as it can prevent drivers from adequately assessing whether it is safe to proceed. Waiting for a police officer to direct traffic is not always practical, as delays might occur without an officer present, and may not be necessary if the intersection can be safely navigated by following proper stop sign protocols.