Addison County, VT – Drivers across Vermont are being urged to use extra caution at intersections today as power outages continue to impact traffic signals, including several locations in Addison County.
According to the Addison County Sheriff’s Office, outages reported across the state have caused some traffic lights to shut off or switch into flashing modes, prompting officials to remind motorists of proper procedures to avoid crashes and confusion on the road.
When a traffic signal is flashing yellow, drivers should slow down and proceed through the intersection with caution, yielding as necessary. Officials stress that flashing yellow does not mean stop, but it does require heightened awareness.
If a signal is flashing red, the intersection must be treated like a stop sign. Drivers are required to come to a complete stop and proceed only when it is safe and their turn.
In cases where there are no signal lights at all, the intersection should be treated as a four-way stop, regardless of how many lanes or directions are involved. Each vehicle must stop and yield according to standard right-of-way rules.
The sheriff’s office noted that confusion at dark intersections is a common cause of crashes during outages, especially during peak commute hours and poor visibility conditions.
Drivers are also reminded to watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and emergency vehicles, which may be harder to see when signals are not operating normally.
Power restoration times may vary by location, and motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time and avoid distractions while driving.
Anyone encountering hazardous intersections or near-misses is encouraged to report them to local authorities.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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