What action should you take if traffic lights are malfunctioning at an intersection?

When traffic lights are malfunctioning at an intersection, the appropriate action is to treat the intersection as a four-way stop. This means that all vehicles approaching the intersection must come to a complete stop and then proceed through the intersection in the order of arrival, following the right-of-way rules.

This approach is important for several reasons. First, it promotes safety by ensuring that all drivers stop and assess the situation before proceeding, thus minimizing the risk of accidents caused by misunderstandings about right-of-way. By treating the intersection as a four-way stop, drivers can navigate through the area in a controlled manner, allowing for clear and organized traffic flow. Additionally, it helps to reduce confusion among drivers who may be uncertain about how to proceed when the traffic lights are not functioning correctly.

Other actions, such as continuing to drive as if the lights are green, can lead to dangerous situations and collisions, while honking does not resolve the issue and may add to the chaos. Waiting for someone to direct traffic could be necessary in more extreme cases, but typically, treating it as a four-way stop is the immediate and safest response.