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This morning on the way in to work there was a traffic accident at an intersection that also had a malfunctioning traffic signal (might have something to do with the accident).

It made me think about discussions I have had in the past around flashing lights. In this case there is a main road that I and hundreds of other cars were on and a small side road with its fair share of cars (waiting to get on our road).

In our path it was flashing yellow, the smaller road was blinking red. I have always operated that when I see yellow I should be cautious but don’t have to stop and when I see red I have to wait until it is clear to go. Well I can say that most people don’t seem to operate that way.

To be fair I let someone go ahead of me when I finally made my way to the intersection but told myself when I get to work I will look up the code to see if I am right.

I am. Here is the text from the 2008 GA Drivers Manual.

Traffic signals are placed at intersections to control the orderly movement of traffic and to prevent accidents. Drivers (including bicyclists) and pedestrians must obey these signals except when an officer is directing traffic. If a traffic signal is not functioning at all at an intersection, all drivers must treat the intersection as if a stop sign is posted for all directions. If a traffic signal is malfunctioning and flashing, drivers must proceed based on the color of the flashing signal they are facing: if the driver is facing a yellow flashing signal, the driver may proceed with caution; if the driver is facing a red flashing signal, the driver must stop and wait until it is safe to proceed.

Now I just wish all those on the road this morning would read this. And for the unfortunate folks that were in those cars that connected this morning I hope you read that too before calling your insurance company.