How would you rate the Philadelphia traffic?
CBS News reported on a survey that placed Philly at number eight on the list of the 10 worst cities for traffic in the U.S. According to the survey, the average driver in Philadelphia spends 106 hours in this car each year and 30 hours of that time is spent in congested traffic.
Another major cause for slowing down traffic are broken traffic lights. Do you know what the rule is when traffic lights are out?
It is estimated that there are over 100,000 traffic lights in Philadelphia and according to Statescoop, the city is around 15 years out from having a fully modernized traffic system. That means at any given time any one of those 100,000 traffic lights could stop working. Motorists are encouraged to report a broken light but it could take hours or days to fix that light.
Fortunately, there are clear rules about what to do when traffic lights are out.
Who Has the Right of Way?
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Bureau of Driver Licensing puts out a 104 page driver’s manual that every prospective driver needs to learn in order to pass a test for getting their license. The longer we drive, the more confidence we get but it also means sometimes forgetting about who has the right of way especially at a broken traffic light.
From Chapter 2 of the driving manual, here is the official rule for non-functioning traffic lights:
“A non-functioning traffic signal should be treated as though it were a four-way STOP sign.”
So, what happens at a four-way STOP sign. Here’s the official rule:
“A FOUR-WAY STOP sign means there are four stop signs at this intersection. Traffic from all four directions must stop. The first vehicle to reach the intersection should move forward first. If two vehicles reach the intersection at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. If facing one another both can proceed with caution, watching for possible turns.”
Translation: When a traffic light stops working, all cars must come to a complete stop. If there is congested traffic at the light, then the prevailing rule is that one car should pass at a time.
Defensive Driving Tips for Handling Intersections
If you approach a traffic light that isn’t working, you should never assume the other drivers know the proper right of way rules. They might think they can drive through without stopping.
This is a scenario where being a defensive driver can help you avoid getting into an accident. If you get to the traffic light first, then you can proceed through, but you should do so cautiously and be on the alert for approaching traffic from all directions.
Here are some other important defensive driving tips you can put into action starting today:
Know Where You’re Going
That seems obvious. However, we’re all growing accustomed to relying on GPS to provide routes. Those directions are helpful especially when you are going someplace new.
However, before you start out, it would help to review the route provided by your GPS to get a sense of where you’re going, the kinds of turns you need to make and any exits you might use on the highway.
Anticipate Road Conditions
The same GPS that provides you with directions can also give you a sense of the traffic congestion. Before heading out, check the traffic flow to see if you need extra time.
Obviously, conditions can change once you get on the road. That is why you should get into the habit of always giving yourself extra time for every trip, regardless of how many times you’ve driven that route.
Give Yourself Braking Distance
Your goal with every trip is to get where you’re going and return home safe. That starts giving yourself plenty of braking distance between you and the car ahead of you.
There could be a need for a sudden stop at any point in your journey. If you have the right amount of braking distance, you can avoid a collision.
Slow Down
Creating braking distance means slowing down. That is a general rule to follow to be a defensive driver. That goes back to the idea of giving yourself more time to drive.
If you’re not in a hurry, you reduce the risk of getting into an accident.
What To Do If an Accident Happens at a Philadelphia Intersection With No Traffic Signals
Even with all your effort and understanding of who has the right of way at a broken traffic light, you could still find yourself in a serious car accident when another driver is negligent.
If that happens, you can count on Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco to provide the legal counsel to help you decide the best course of action moving forward.
We have years of experience negotiating with insurance companies and winning settlements for our clients. That help begins with a free consultation.
We want to hear what happened to you. Call to schedule today.
