What should you generally do if traffic lights are out at an intersection?

When traffic lights are out at an intersection, treating it as a stop sign is important for ensuring safety and order among vehicles and pedestrians. In this situation, all drivers must stop at the intersection, assess oncoming traffic, and proceed only when it is safe to do so. This approach helps prevent accidents that could arise from confusion regarding who has the right-of-way, as the absence of working traffic signals can lead to uncertainty among drivers.

In contrast, proceeding as if you have the right-of-way could lead to dangerous situations, especially if other drivers are unsure about how to react. Waiting for another driver to lead can create a stalemate where no one feels confident enough to move, potentially causing frustration and delay for everyone involved. Continuing without stopping is the riskiest option, as it disregards the need for caution at an intersection where normal traffic control measures are not functioning properly.