What To Do At An Intersection With Flashing Lights In Lancaster, PA

January 6, 2025 | Car Accidents

What To Do At An Intersection With Flashing Lights In Lancaster, PA

Drivers in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, often face confusion when they see flashing traffic signals at intersections. These situations can be dangerous if you don’t know how to respond. 

Experienced Lancaster car accident lawyers often help clients who have been in accidents at intersections with flashing or broken traffic signals. They also know how to help accident victims get fair compensation. 

Understanding Different Types Of Flashing Signals

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has specific rules for different flashing signals you might encounter at intersections. 

A flashing red light works just like a stop sign. You must stop completely and check for other cars and people walking. Only go when it’s safe. This is extra important at busy spots like Queen and Orange Streets. 

Make sure your vehicle comes to a complete stop behind the white line or crosswalk at a flashing red light.

When you see a flashing yellow light, slow down, but you don’t have to stop. Look carefully for other cars before driving through. Take extra time to check all directions. Be ready to stop if another driver doesn’t yield properly or if pedestrians are crossing.

Winter weather in Lancaster makes these situations trickier. Rain, snow, and ice mean you need more time to stop. Poor visibility also makes it harder to see other cars. Treat flashing yellow lights with extra caution during storms or severe weather. Consider stopping completely if conditions are bad.

Common Causes of Flashing Signals

Understanding what causes signals to flash can help you handle these situations better. 

Several factors can trigger flashing mode at Lancaster intersections:

  • Power outages or electrical problems can activate the backup flashing system. This safety feature keeps traffic moving even when regular signals aren’t working. These situations often happen during storms or when utility work affects power lines.
  • Late at night, some intersections switch to flashing mode because there is less traffic. This happens mostly in quieter parts of Lancaster County, and it usually occurs between midnight and early morning.
  • Road crews might need to set signals to flash while fixing them or handling emergencies. This allows them to work safely while maintaining traffic flow. Watch for worker vehicles and follow any temporary signs or directions they post.

These situations require drivers to stay alert and follow proper safety procedures. Remember that other drivers might not know how to handle flashing signals, so be prepared for unexpected actions.

Pennsylvania law says drivers must be extra careful at flashing signals. If you don’t follow the rules, you could get a ticket or be responsible for crashes. The law expects drivers to understand and follow proper procedures at these intersections.

The Federal Highway Administration shows that broken signals lead to more accidents. That’s why it’s so important to know what to do. Statistics show that accident rates can double or triple at intersections with malfunctioning signals.

What To Do If an Accident Occurs

Quick action after a crash can protect both your safety and legal rights. 

Here are the essential steps to take after an accident at a flashing signal:

  • Check if anyone is hurt and call 911 if needed. Lancaster’s emergency teams know how to handle these crashes and can provide immediate help. Stay calm and keep everyone at a safe distance from traffic.
  • Take lots of pictures of the flashing lights and any damage. These photos can help with insurance claims and show what the intersection looked like. Get shots from multiple angles and capture any skid marks or debris.
  • Get contact info from people who saw what happened. They can tell others about the signals and how everyone drove during the incident. Ask them to write down what they saw while it’s fresh in their minds.
  • Look for security cameras nearby. Many Lancaster intersections have cameras that might have recorded the crash and can support your case. Note any businesses around the intersection that might have security footage.
  • Seek medical help. Often, the injuries that result from intersection accidents aren’t immediately apparent. Seeking prompt medical attention protects both your health and your legal rights.  

Taking these steps can make a big difference in getting fair compensation later. Keep copies of all documentation, including medical records and repair estimates.

Knowing how to handle flashing lights at intersections helps prevent crashes. But sometimes accidents happen even when you do everything right. If you’ve been hurt in a crash at a Lancaster intersection with flashing traffic signals, a car accident lawyer will protect your rights and fight for the money you deserve.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster PA 17603
(717) 616-2954

Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963