Blinking Yellow Light Means Proceed with Caution

After a storm the other morning, I was traveling down M-59, and the light at Hickory Ridge Road was blinking yellow for M-59. At the time I was traveling, this would normally be a working light. So should I have treated it as a four-way stop? There were cars stopped on Hickory Ridge to come across M-59. I figured I should since normally it would be working. But when I tried to stop, the guy behind me had to swerve to avoid hitting me. I do know that if a traffic signal is out completely, it is treated as a four-way stop. Just wondering if I was right or wrong to stop?

— Sue Dean

Chief Edward Harris: Ms. Dean, after consulting with the traffic experts, I submit the following: A blinking yellow light directs the driver to slow down and proceed with caution. In the instance you described, you were not required to stop. You are correct that the intersection should be treated as a four-way stop if all of the signals are not working. Thank you.

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