Here's What To Do If The Traffic Signal's Out at an Intersection

What is the appropriate way to navigate an intersection in Indiana if there is no power to the traffic signal? Find out!

The Drive Home Was Treacherous Thanks to the Winter Storm

Story time: On my way home from work last night I encountered a traffic signal that wasn't working. Due to power outages as the result of the recent winter storm, not a single red, yellow, or green colored disc was lit to alert me to how to proceed through the intersection.

I Couldn't Remember the "Rules of the Road"

I cannot remember the last time that I came upon a traffic signal that was just dark. As I approached, I combed through my mental catalog trying to remember what I read years ago in the "Rules of the Road" about a situation like this.

I Proceeded With Caution

I decided to slow down as I approached and cautiously rolled up to the intersection, double checking both directions that there were no cars coming from either way before proceeding through the intersection.

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Home Safe & Back to Work Today

After safely making my way home, and then returning to the office this morning, I stumbled across a post made to Facebook from the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Department explaining this exact scenario. All I could think is "Did I break the law last night?!"

Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office Clarifies What I SHOULD Have Done

It turns out, I might have since I executed what I've always called a "rolling stop," meaning I did not bring my vehicle to a standstill at the intersection with the out of order traffic signal. According the VCSO, "Indiana Law requires that motorists stop at intersections that have disabled traffic signals."

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A Rolling Stop Was Not the Right Answer

They go on to quote Indiana Code 9-21-37(b)4 that outlines the proper way to handle this exact situation, and I'm telling you now, I got it wrong. Fortunately, there were no other vehicles near the intersection I was at, but still...

Many Signals Are Still Without Power - Stop for Dark Traffic Signals

VCSO says, that the power outages as the result of our recent storms have resulted in a number of traffic signals "going dark," and they advice that you treat it like you would a stop sign.

[Source: Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office via Facebook]

10 Must-Have Items To Keep In Your Car This Winter Just In Case

You never know when you might find yourself stranded on the side of the road during the cold winter months, and these ten items could make all the difference. They might even save your life.

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Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals

25 Indoor Activities for Kids in Southern Indiana This Winter

It will soon be too cold to play outside, but fear not - there are dozens of fun indoor activities for kids of all ages and abilities to do in the Southern Indiana area. Here they are in alphabetical order.

Gallery Credit: Bobby G.

Source: Indiana Drivers: Here’s What To Do If The Signals Are Out at an Intersection

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Indiana Drivers: Here’s What To Do If The Signals Are Out at an Intersection