BC is on storm watch, and while Metro Vancouver won’t get the worst of it, there’s still a chance of localized power outages, so what do you do if the traffic lights go out at an intersection?
While it might seem like common sense, you’ve probably found yourself at — or at the very least witnessed — one of these intersections turn chaotic during a power outage.
The Vancouver Police Department issued a refresher on X earlier today, warning people to be prepared in the event of a power outage that causes traffic lights to go out.
There’s a storm with high winds headed our way this evening, and power outages are expected. For anyone needing a refresher on what to do if the traffic lights stop working, the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has got you covered: https://t.co/nAROML1g9T
Image… pic.twitter.com/HgAljKyjjh
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) November 19, 2024
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued two separate weather alerts today: one regarding a bomb cyclone that will impact Vancouver Island, coastal areas, and Metro Vancouver and another warning about impacts from high tide on Wednesday that could lead to minor flooding.
ECCC warns that “strong winds may down trees or cause tree limbs to break” and that people should be “prepared for power outages.”
What to do if traffic lights go out in Vancouver
Green traffic lights. (Shutterstock)
First, don’t panic. The BC Ministry of Transportation has some additional guidance for drivers. It also has a sense of humour about it:
BC Ministry of Transportation
Anytime you’re at an intersection with lights that have shut off due to a power outage or are flashing red, you treat that intersection like a four-way stop.
The driver who comes to a complete stop first proceeds first. If two vehicles arrive at the intersection simultaneously, the one on the right goes first.
“If two vehicles stop at the intersection at about the same time and are facing each other, the one making a left turn yields to the one going straight through. Otherwise, both vehicles proceed straight through at the same time.”
If you’ve been a pedestrian unsure how to proceed at a four-way stop, the good news is that everyone is supposed to yield to you “in all cases.”
…Supposed to.
The rules vary a bit, though. The ministry states that “some signals on highways are programmed to flash yellow on the highway due to higher traffic and red on the side street when there is a malfunction. In this case, the rules change a bit.”
“Highway travellers: slow down and approach the intersection controlled by a flashing yellow light with caution, being aware of traffic on the side streets before continuing through the intersection. Be sure to yield to pedestrians if present at a crosswalk,” it adds.
If you’re travelling from a side street, you should stop at the flashing red light and proceed only when it’s safe, treating the intersection like a two-way stop.
If you’ve wondered why some lights flash red and some go out completely, it’s because the flashing red lights are powered by backup power, which the ministry says lasts eight hours.
“Signals will go completely dark if hydro isn’t restored during that time.”
Click here to read the report on today’s expected storm.