Stephens Law Firm | May 5, 2025 | Car Accidents
Encountering an intersection with standard traffic lights is relatively straightforward. Green usually means go, red means stop, and yellow means slow down. But what about when the lights are flashing?
Many drivers get confused when they see flashing red or yellow lights at intersections, and this uncertainty can lead to dangerous situations, especially in Weatherford, TX. Here’s what to do if you encounter an intersection with flashing lights.
What Does a Flashing Red Light Mean?
A flashing red light at an intersection works just like a stop sign. Texas law requires that you come to a complete stop at the marked stop line. Look for other cars, motorcycles, cyclists, and pedestrians, and only proceed when it’s safe.
Additionally, the right-of-way rules at a flashing red intersection work just like a four-way stop:
- The first car to get to the intersection goes first
- If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the car on the right goes first
- If four cars arrive at the same time, you’ll need to coordinate with the other drivers using hand signals or eye contact
Flashing red lights typically appear when regular traffic signals malfunction. But they can also be permanent fixtures at certain dangerous intersections.
What Does a Flashing Yellow Light Mean at an Intersection?
At an intersection, a flashing yellow light means that you should drive carefully. You don’t have to stop unless you see danger, but you should slow down and watch for problems. Generally, when you see a flashing yellow light, cars on other roads might have a flashing red light, meaning you can go first. But you don’t want to just assume everyone will follow the rules.
You’ll often see flashing yellow lights in these places:
- Near schools where children cross the street
- At dangerous country road intersections
- Late at night, at intersections that are busy during the day
- During power outages or when signals aren’t working right
Recognizing these common situations can help you anticipate and prepare for flashing yellow lights before you reach them.
Staying Safe Around Pedestrians Near Flashing Yellow Lights
If you’re driving through a flashing yellow light and see someone walking, you must let them cross first, even if they shouldn’t be crossing then.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that pedestrian deaths have gone up by more than 83% over the last 16 years. Many of these deaths happen at intersections, especially when it’s dark out, and flashing yellow lights are often used.
What To Do When All Intersection Lights Are Flashing
Sometimes, every light at an intersection flashes at the same time; usually, they’re all red or all yellow. This often means something is wrong with the lights or there’s a power problem, which is common during storms. If all lights are flashing red, treat the area like a four-way stop, and if all lights are flashing yellow, drive carefully and be ready to let other cars go first if needed.
Who Goes First at an Intersection With Flashing Lights?
For intersections with flashing lights, the following road users should proceed before others:
- Ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars with flashing lights or sirens always go first
- People in crosswalks get to go before cars that are turning
- Cars at flashing red lights must wait for cars at flashing yellow lights to proceed first
- At a four-way intersection of flashing red lights, use the same rules as a four-way stop
Breaking these rules can get you a ticket, but worse, it can cause car crashes.
The Importance of Using Caution at Intersections With Flashing Lights
Flashing lights at intersections often signal that something has changed about the normal traffic flow. Red flashing lights mean to stop completely and only proceed when it’s safe. Yellow flashing lights mean to slow down and use extra caution as you drive through.
Taking a few extra seconds to handle these situations correctly helps keep everyone safe on Weatherford’s roads.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Fort Worth, TX
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth and need legal help, contact our Fort Worth and Weatherford personal injury lawyers at Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents to schedule a free consultation.
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 406
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420-7000
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents – Weatherford Office
109 York Ave Suite #201
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 409-7000
