If a traffic light is out, treat it like a stop sign, officials say after Hurricane Ian
Hurricane Ian decimated Southwest Florida on Wednesday, and it caused damage in Manatee and Sarasota counties as well.
Widespread power outages were reported throughout both counties as a fallout of Ian’s arrival.
If power outages effect traffic lights from working, here’s how to proceed when you feel safe to drive around the area.
Intersections without traffic lights
In the wake of Hurricane Irma in September 2017, there were reports of multiple car accidents due to cars flying through intersections with downed traffic lights.
It’s happened again with Hurricane Ian. So what is the proper way to navigate that scenario?
Treat it like a four-way stop sign, Florida Highway Patrol trooper Kenneth Watson told the Bradenton Herald.
“Let’s not assume we have the right away because we’re on a main thoroughfare like U.S. 41, S.R. 776 or U.S. 301,” Watson said.
“Make sure that if those traffic signals are out you are coming to a stop and making sure that you are clear prior to entering the intersection. And put those devices down, especially today. We have a lot of people that are driving around looking at the damage and are not paying attention to the roadway.”
Manatee County’s Public Safety Department tweeted Thursday it has already responded to one crash at a powerless intersection.
“Thankfully, only minor injuries,” the tweet said. “We are seeing many intersections with non-functioning lights. When approaching an intersection treat it as a four-way stop.”
“All of the emergency response resources are stretched thin,” Watson said. “The damage is substantial. We’re doing our best working with the county to remove a lot of the debris that’s within the roadways. A lot of trees came down.”
“We certainly want to remember that when we’re driving through water, we don’t see what’s underneath the water. There could be tree limbs. Parts of traffic control devices. Let’s not make assumptions. Let’s really slow down and make good decisions behind the wheel today.”
Herald reporter Ryan Ballogg contributed to this report
This story was originally published September 30, 2022 at 8:36 AM.
