Flashing traffic lights can be confusing, especially if you do not come across them very often. In Alaska, intersections may use flashing signals during power outages, late-night hours, road construction, or when a traffic signal is not working properly. Knowing what these lights mean can help you stay safe and reduce the risk of a crash.
If you approach an intersection with flashing lights, slow down, stay alert, and follow Alaska’s right-of-way rules. What you should do next depends on the color of the flashing light.
What Do Flashing Traffic Lights Mean?
Flashing traffic lights are used to control traffic when a normal traffic signal is unavailable or not needed. Unlike a regular signal cycle, flashing lights require drivers to pay closer attention and rely on right-of-way rules.
The two most common flashing signals are:
- Flashing red lights
- Flashing yellow lights
Each one has a different meaning and calls for a different response.
What To Do at a Flashing Red Light
A flashing red light should be treated the same as a stop sign. That means you must come to a complete stop before entering the intersection.
After stopping, you should:
- Look both ways for approaching traffic.
- Yield the right-of-way to vehicles already in the intersection.
- Yield to pedestrians crossing the road.
- Proceed only when it is safe.
If every direction at the intersection has a flashing red light, the intersection works like a four-way stop. Usually, the first vehicle to stop has the right-of-way. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the right generally goes first.
It can be tempting to roll through when the road looks clear, but failing to stop at a flashing red light can lead to a serious collision.
What To Do at a Flashing Yellow Light
A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution. Unlike a flashing red light, you do not have to stop.
Still, you should be careful before entering the intersection. That includes:
- Reducing your speed
- Checking for cross traffic
- Watching for pedestrians or cyclists
- Being prepared to stop if needed
Flashing yellow lights are often used on the busier road at an intersection, while the cross street has flashing red lights. This allows traffic on the main road to keep moving while cross traffic stops.
Even if you technically have the right-of-way, it is still smart to stay cautious. Other drivers may be distracted, confused, or may not respond correctly to the signal.
Why Intersections Sometimes Use Flashing Signals
Flashing signals may appear for several reasons. In Alaska, they are often used when normal traffic signals are temporarily unavailable or unnecessary.
Some common reasons include:
- Power outages
- Malfunctioning traffic lights
- Late-night or low-traffic conditions
- Road construction or maintenance
- Emergency situations
Because these situations can happen without much warning, it is important to stay attentive whenever you approach an intersection.
What Happens if a Crash Occurs at a Flashing-Light Intersection?
Even when drivers try to be careful, accidents can still happen. Crashes at flashing-light intersections often occur because one driver fails to stop at a flashing red light, ignores the right-of-way, or moves too quickly through the intersection.
When fault is being determined, investigators may look at factors such as:
- Traffic signal color and visibility
- Whether a driver stopped or slowed down as required
- Right-of-way violations
- Speed and driver attentiveness
If another driver failed to follow the rules at a flashing-light intersection, they may be responsible for the harm that followed.
Contact Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation With an Anchorage Personal Injury Lawyer
If you were injured in a car accident or any type of motor vehicle accident at an intersection in Alaska, you may have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Contact Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with an Anchorage personal injury lawyer.
For more information, please contact Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We have two locations in Alaska, including Anchorage and Eagle River.
Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers – Anchorage
2525 Gambell St #410,
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 290-8980
Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers – Eagle River
13135 Old Glenn Hwy, Suite 101
Eagle River, AK 99577
(907) 802-4097
