Flashing traffic signals tell Arizona drivers how to proceed through an intersection when the light is not operating in its usual red-yellow-green cycle. The correct response depends on the color of the flashing light.
Knowing what to do at an intersection with flashing lights in Arizona can prevent confusion and serious crashes. A flashing red light requires a stop, while a flashing yellow light tells drivers to slow down and proceed with caution.
What Does a Flashing Red Light Mean in Arizona?
Under Arizona law, a driver approaching a flashing red signal must stop before entering the intersection. The driver can proceed after stopping when it is safe to do so.
The rule is similar to how you approach a stop sign. Drivers must watch for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists who have the right-of-way before entering the intersection.
A driver should not treat a flashing red light as a signal to simply slow down. A complete stop is required.
What Does a Flashing Yellow Light Mean?
A flashing yellow signal does not require drivers to stop.
Arizona law allows a driver to proceed through a flashing yellow signal but requires the driver to do so with caution. Slowing down gives the driver more time to watch for cross traffic, pedestrians, and other hazards.
Drivers should not assume that a flashing yellow light gives them an unlimited right-of-way. They must still follow other traffic laws and use reasonable care.
What if Every Direction Has a Flashing Red Light?
When all directions have flashing red signals, drivers should treat the intersection much like an all-way stop.
Each driver must stop before entering. Drivers should then proceed based on the normal right-of-way rules for vehicles that have stopped at the intersection.
If two vehicles arrive at about the same time, Arizona’s right-of-way law generally requires the driver on the left to yield to the vehicle on the right.
Drivers should also yield to pedestrians and avoid entering the intersection until it is clear.
What if the Traffic Signal Is Not Working at All?
A completely dark traffic signal can create more confusion than a flashing signal.
Under Arizona law, drivers approaching an inoperative traffic control signal must stop before entering the intersection. After stopping, they may proceed when it is safe.
Drivers should be especially careful because another motorist may not realize that the signal is out. Even when you have the right-of-way, check for approaching traffic before entering the intersection.
Why Are Flashing-Light Intersections Dangerous?
Drivers may misunderstand a flashing signal or fail to notice that a traffic light has changed from its normal pattern.
Common problems can include:
- Failing to stop at a flashing red light
- Entering before cross traffic has cleared
- Driving too quickly through a flashing yellow light
- Failing to yield to another vehicle
- Failing to watch for pedestrians
- Assuming another driver will stop
Intersection crashes can involve side impacts, which may cause serious injuries because the side of a vehicle offers less protection than the front or rear.
Who Is at Fault for a Crash at a Flashing Light?
Fault depends on what each driver did before the collision.
A driver who fails to stop at a flashing red light may be responsible if that violation causes a crash. A driver approaching a flashing yellow signal could also be responsible if they proceed without proper caution.
Evidence can help determine which driver had the right of way and may include:
- Traffic camera or dashcam video
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Photos of the intersection
- Vehicle damage
- Traffic signal records
The location of the damage and statements from witnesses may help show how the vehicles entered the intersection.
What if Both Drivers Share Fault?
Arizona follows a pure comparative fault system.
Under Arizona law, an injured person can generally recover damages even when they share responsibility for the accident. Their compensation is typically reduced according to their percentage of fault.
For example, a driver with $100,000 in damages who is found 25% responsible could potentially recover $75,000. This rule can be important when both drivers made mistakes at an intersection.
Contact Feller & Wendt, LLC to Schedule a Free Consultation with a Mesa Car Accident Lawyer
Knowing what to do at an intersection with flashing lights in Arizona starts with the color of the signal. Stop completely for a flashing red light. At a flashing yellow light, slow down and proceed carefully.
If you need legal help after a crash at an intersection with flashing lights, call Feller & Wendt, LLC to schedule a free consultation with a Mesa car accident lawyer.
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