Safe Driving in Power Outages

WHAT TO DO WHEN TRAFFIC SIGNALS AREN'T WORKING

In a nutshell: treat the intersection like a four-way stop.

• The first vehicle to come to a complete stop at the intersection goes first.
• If two vehicles arrive and stop at the same time, the one on the right goes first.
• If two vehicles stop at the intersection at about the same time and are facing each other, the one making a left turn yields to the one going straight through.
• In all cases yield to pedestrians.
• Before entering the intersection, be sure other approaching vehicles are following the rules and coming to a complete stop.

Inoperative traffic signals caused by a power outage usually show themseves as flashing red lights from back up power, which lasts a maximum of eight hours. Signals will go completely dark if Hydro is not restored during that time.

To learn more about intersections, using lanes correctly, and even some parking tips and rules, we suggest reading the "Rules of the Road" chapter in ICBC's handy "driver guide."

Drive Safe!