What to Do at an Intersection With Flashing Lights

Intersection crashes are more common than many people realize in Seattle and elsewhere. Car accidents happen every day at intersections controlled by standard traffic lights, but the confusion around intersections with flashing lights can make them uniquely hazardous.

Do you know what to do when you come upon an intersection with flashing lights? Here’s a closer look.

What Does a Flashing Red Light Mean?

Washington state law requires drivers to treat flashing red lights like stop signs. This means that if you come to a flashing red light, you must come to a complete stop. After checking for traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists, you may proceed once the way is clear.

Occasionally, you might see a low-traffic intersection controlled by a single flashing red light. 

This means you should treat the intersection like a four-way stop:

• Generally, the car that arrives first may proceed first
• When two cars arrive at the same time, the car on the right goes first
• Cars making left turns should yield to traffic going straight
• All cars should yield to pedestrians and cyclists

When you come to an intersection with flashing red lights, it’s important to err on the side of caution. Some drivers may not know the rules. Using your turn signals and making eye contact with other drivers could reduce your chances of an accident considerably.

What Does a Flashing Yellow Light Mean?

A flashing yellow light at an intersection means that vehicles don’t necessarily have to stop, but they must proceed with caution. Some intersections between low-traffic roads are controlled by flashing yellow lights.

In many cases, busier roads with standard traffic signals will flash yellow late at night. This is generally a more efficient way to manage traffic during off-hours.

As you approach a flashing yellow light, you should reduce your speed and be ready to stop if needed. Look for oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, and stop if you see any in the intersection. Once it’s safe to proceed, you may do so.

What About a Flashing Yellow Arrow?

A steady yellow arrow at an intersection indicates that while a driver can still make a turn, the light is about to turn red. A flashing yellow light means you may proceed with caution; similarly, a flashing yellow arrow means you may turn when it’s safe.

Many intersections have flashing yellow arrows that allow drivers to turn left when their path is clear. The flashing signal means that pedestrians and through traffic have the right of way, but some drivers may mistake the flashing yellow arrow for a steady yellow arrow and rush into the turn.

Left-turn accidents are common at all types of intersections. They’re even more likely at intersections where drivers are unfamiliar with (or confused by) traffic signals. 

If you’re driving straight through an intersection, watch for drivers who may misinterpret flashing yellow arrows. If you manage to spot an illegal turn in time to stop, you could prevent a crash.

The Importance of Understanding Traffic Laws

In a perfect world, all drivers on the road would regularly review traffic codes and affirm their understanding of traffic signals. In reality, many drivers disobey flashing lights and other less common signals because they’re unfamiliar with them.

By brushing up on your knowledge of Washington traffic laws and making a point of driving defensively, you could help prevent serious injuries — or even save a life.

Contact the Seattle Car Accident Lawyers at Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

If you’ve been injured in Seattle, WA, and need legal assistance, contact Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers. Contact our legal team and schedule a free consultation with a [PRACTICE AREA] lawyer today. We proudly serve King County in Washington and its surrounding areas. Visit our law office at:

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