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Virginia Legal News

Virginia Police Urge Motorists to Stop When Traffic Lights are Out


Posted on Sep 23, 2011

In the wake of Hurricane Irene, power outages were rampant throughout the Tidewater area of Virginia. In addition to houses losing electricity, police were concerned about Virginia motor vehicle accidents occurring due to the number of traffic lights that were down, particularly in the busier intersections throughout southeastern Virginia. Police reported motorists driving straight through intersections in which traffic lights were out without first stopping to see if the intersection was clear, creating a serious hazard on the roads.

If the traffic signal at an intersection is not working, it is the law for motorists to stop in all directions - just as a driver would stop at a stop sign. Spokeswoman for the Newport News Police Department, Holly McPherson, points to Virginia State Code 46.2-833C indicating that it is a violation to drive through an intersection in which the traffic light is inoperable without stopping. A driver could be ticketed for such an offense.

Jason Price, Spokesman for the Hampton Police Department, indicated that while there has not been an increase in motor vehicle crashes at intersections as a result of the power outages, motorists who are driving through inoperable traffic lights without stopping are creating a dangerous problem. Price continued by stating that the only reason why there has not been an increase in car accidents is because other motorists are yielding to those who are driving straight through the intersections.

If you have been in a motor vehicle accident in southeastern Virginia, contact Virginia car accident lawyer Michael Weisberg for answers to your questions. Contact Attorney Weisberg toll free at (800) 690-0235 or complete the contact form at the top of this page for a free, no obligation consultation.

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