What action should be taken when approaching an intersection with a malfunctioning traffic signal?

When approaching an intersection with a malfunctioning traffic signal, treating the situation as a four-way stop is the appropriate action. This approach emphasizes the importance of safety and communication between drivers. In a four-way stop scenario, all vehicles must yield to the vehicle that arrived first or follow the right-of-way rules to avoid collisions.

By proceeding with caution and being prepared to stop, drivers not only protect their own safety but also the safety of others sharing the road. Understanding the behavior of other drivers in such situations is critical, as they may also be uncertain about how to navigate the intersection. This cautious mindset helps ensure that everyone can pass through the intersection safely until the traffic signal is restored to proper functioning.

Other actions, like speeding up to pass or ignoring the signal, can lead to dangerous situations or collisions, while simply waiting for the signal to be fixed may cause unnecessary delays and does not account for other vehicles already at the intersection. Therefore, treating the intersection as a four-way stop maximizes safety for all road users.