Ask a Trooper: What Do You Do When the Power Goes Out at a Stoplight?

We have all sat in our homes when a thunder storm rolls through and “boom” the power is out.  I remember a few years back, around Christmas, and the power being out for several days. 

This storm didn’t just affect our homes and businesses, but it also affected traffic control signals. The good thing is none of my groceries went bad because it was so cold, so there is, truly a silver lining, to every storm cloud. 

 Judy Davids, of Royal Oak, Michigan, asks, “If the power is out at a traffic signal, is that intersection treated as a four way stop?”

The answer to Judy’s question is found in MCL 257.649 which states, (1) “The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right of way to a vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway.”

(2) “When two vehicles enter an intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right of way to the vehicle on the right. “

In the above scenario, when the power is out and the traffic signals are not working, the intersection defaults to the right of way of which driver arrives first at an intersection and which driver is to the right. 

At a busy intersection, it can sometimes be difficult, because there is literally a vehicle at every corner.  Before proceeding into the intersection, make eye contact with the other drivers to make sure everyone is paying attention and then proceed when it is safe. 

As I often tell people, “If you can’t get somewhere safely, you didn’t do anyone any good.”

Be safe this Halloween

In a couple of weeks Halloween will be upon us with all sorts of ghosts, goblins, super heroes and princesses.   The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has some tips for safe trick-or- treating:

Avoid trick or treating alone by walking in groups or with a trusted adult.  Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags.  Use cross walks and look both ways before crossing a street.

Enjoy showing your costumes by walking from house to house, don’t run.  Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid trips and falls. To help prevent skin irritation, test makeup in a small area first and remove the makeup before bedtime. Costume accessories, such as swords, should be short, soft and flexible.

Only visit well-lit houses. Enter homes only if you are with a trusted adult. Never accept rides from strangers. Never walk near lit candles. 

Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Parents, examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat at one time. 

If you have a questions or comments please email them to askatrooper12@gmail.com, or mail them to Ask A Trooper, Michigan State Police – Brighton Post, 4337 Buno Road, Brighton, MI  48116.