BMV Practice Test

During a traffic signal blackout, how should you proceed at an intersection?

1. Yield to pedestrians only

2. Turn around and find another route

3. Treat it as an all-way stop

4. Continue driving without stopping

The correct answer is: Treat it as an all-way stop

During a traffic signal blackout, treating the intersection as an all-way stop is the appropriate action to take. This means that vehicles approaching the intersection must come to a complete stop, just like at a stop sign, and then proceed when it is safe to do so. This procedure helps ensure safety for all road users, as it allows drivers to assess the situation at the intersection and gives priority to vehicles that arrive first, as well as pedestrians who may be crossing. This approach is crucial for maintaining order and preventing accidents during a signal failure, where the usual traffic control signals are not operational. Being alert and yielding as needed aligns with safe driving practices, especially in unpredictable situations. Other options, like yielding only to pedestrians or continuing to drive without stopping, do not provide a comprehensive or safe response to the lack of traffic signals. Turning around might not be practical or safe in many circumstances, and it could cause confusion to other drivers.