Louisiana Class D Chauffeur's License Practice Test

What should you do if traffic lights are not working?

1. Continue driving as normal

2. Treat the intersection as a four-way stop

3. Drive cautiously without stopping

4. Follow the lead of the car in front of you

The correct answer is: Treat the intersection as a four-way stop

When traffic lights are not functioning, treating the intersection as a four-way stop is the safest and most appropriate action. This approach ensures that all vehicles are given an equal opportunity to navigate through the intersection, minimizing confusion and reducing the likelihood of accidents. In this scenario, all drivers are required to come to a complete stop and yield to any vehicles that arrive first at the intersection. If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has the right of way. This system helps regulate the flow of traffic and maintains order in an otherwise potentially chaotic situation where signals are not operational. In contrast to this approach, continuing to drive as normal may lead to misunderstandings and increased risk, as other drivers might not know how to proceed without functioning signals. Driving cautiously without stopping could create confusion and may be dangerous, as other vehicles expect a stop. Following the lead of the car in front may not be reliable because that driver might also be unsure of the proper protocol at a non-functioning light, which can lead to varied responses and increase the risk of collisions.