Who Has the Right of Way if Traffic Lights Lose Power in Tampa?

Hurricane season causes plenty of power outages each year, and these weather events can affect road safety in various ways. Traffic lights without power often cause considerable confusion, especially when motorists are unfamiliar with the four-way stop procedure. Who has the right of way in this situation? How do you determine who might have been at fault for an intersection car accident in Tampa?

Motorist Dies After Traffic Lights Lose Power in Tampa 

The loss of power at an intersection can easily be fatal in Tampa. In October of 2024, NBC News reported that a motorist had lost their life in an intersection that had lost power after Hurricane Milton. The power outage caused the traffic lights to go dark, creating enough confusion to spark the crash.

Authorities say that the victim was riding as a passenger, and that the passenger side of her vehicle was struck by another vehicle in the middle of the intersection. This is known as a “T-bone” accident. The driver also suffered what first responders referred to as “serious injuries,” but he is expected to survive.

Low-light conditions also contributed to the crash, as it occurred at about 10:15 PM. Not only did the traffic lights lose power, but the street lamps also went dark – making it extremely difficult to navigate the intersection safely.

The Four-Way Stop Procedure Explained 

Florida residents should take a moment to review the four-way stop procedure – as it could easily save lives after a major power outage. The general rule is simple: If there is no power, assume each driver has a stop sign. The driver who arrives first at the intersection has the right of way.

Things get a little more complex when drivers arrive at the same time. In this situation, the driver to the right gets to go first. Remember that the normal rules of the road apply. Left-turning vehicles should yield to vehicles going straight. Right-turning vehicles also go before left-turning vehicles.

Always use your indicators when approaching an intersection without power. Another obvious step is to proceed with caution – especially in the dark. If all vehicles move slowly through an intersection, the chances of a serious collision are low. Finally, consider intentionally arriving at an intersection in second place. This brief delay will make it clear that the other vehicle gets to go first, and this could potentially prevent an accident.

Can an Auto Accident Lawyer in Tampa Help? 

An auto accident lawyer in Tampa may be able to help if you were injured in an intersection crash. Motorists should be aware of the proper four-way stop procedure, and the loss of power is no excuse for reckless driving. As we have seen, these mistakes can be fatal. Contact Anderson & Anderson today to learn more about your legal options.

Sources: 

nbc-2.com/article/traffic-light-out/62566971

wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/1-dead-in-crash-at-tampa-intersection-with-traffic-lights-out-after-hurricane-milton/