FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MVA URGES MOTORISTS TO USE CAUTION AND REMEMBER THE RULES OF THE ROAD
Malfunctioning Traffic Lights; Obey Four-Way Stop Rules 

GLEN BURNIE, MD (July 20, 2012) – The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) wants to remind motorists to exercise caution and treat all intersections without functioning traffic signals as a four-way stop.  Often following severe weather, traffic signals may malfunction or not work at all.  It is essential that motorist obey the rules of the road to maintain safe traffic flow on Maryland roadways.

The rules are simple.  In the event no traffic lights are illuminated, drivers are expected to treat intersections as 4-way stops.

• Bring your vehicle to a complete stop, look both ways and then proceed when it is safe to do so.
• If two vehicles approach the intersection from different roadways at the same time, the driver on the left must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle to his or her immediate right.
  
  If the traffic light is flashing red in all directions, treat the intersection as a 4-way stop. Stop your vehicle before the crosswalk or white line and wait until it's your turn to proceed.
  
  
• Remember to look both ways and keep an eye out for pedestrians and other vehicles that may fail to stop at the light.
  
  Malfunctioning traffic lights may also flash yellow. This is a warning for drivers to proceed with caution.
  
  
• Stay alert and look both ways before entering the intersection.

Finally, in order to prevent collisions and maintain traffic flow, police officers are sometimes posted at malfunctioning traffic lights. In these cases, always follow the instructions of the officer.

MVA reminds you to protect yourself and others by staying attentive behind the wheel. Obey traffic signals when they're working properly and know the rules of the road when they aren't. It's an easy way to help keep everyone safe on Maryland roads.

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