Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers | February 3, 2025 | Car Accidents
In Florida, flashing lights at intersections are common. Intersections are also frequent sites of car accidents, with the Federal Highway Administration reporting that nearly one-third of all accidents in 2022 occurred at intersections. Here’s what you need to know about flashing red and yellow lights to help avoid accidents.
Flashing Red Lights
While some intersections permanently have flashing red lights, we tend to see it most commonly after a storm or during a power outage. In Florida, you can think of an intersection with flashing red lights the same way as you think of an intersection with a regular stop sign. Drivers must stop, look for cross traffic, then proceed.
Flashing Yellow Lights
If you arrive at an intersection with flashing yellow lights, you do not need to stop but proceed cautiously. Flashing yellow lights are commonly found near crosswalks, school zones, construction, and intersections with odd angles or limited visibility.
Unmarked Intersections
You do not need to stop at an intersection that has no stop sign, flashing red light, or stop line. These are called “unmarked” intersections and are common in low-traffic residential or rural areas. Treat an unmarked intersection like it has a yield sign by slowing down and looking both ways before continuing.
Right of Way
Just like any four-way stop, drivers who arrive first have the right of way and should take the initiative to go first. When two drivers arrive at the intersection at the same time, the driver to the right has the right of way and should go first. If three or more cars arrive at the intersection at the same time, they should proceed counter-clockwise around the intersection.
Four-Way Stop Signs
Intersections with posted stop signs on all four sides are handled the same way as intersections with flashing red lights. Once again, this means that every car comes to a full stop, checks for cross traffic, and then goes if it’s clear.
Don’t Yield the Right of Way
Always use caution and drive defensively at intersections. Remember that yielding the right of way when it’s your turn may be polite, but it interrupts the flow of traffic and ultimately slows down the whole intersection. Not going when it’s your turn causes confusion and can lead to collisions for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
Legal Duties at Intersections
As you approach an intersection, it’s important to follow all traffic signals, signs, and regulations to ensure the safety of everyone on the road, including pedestrians and cyclists. Failing to do so can lead to legal penalties, such as fines or, in more serious cases, criminal charges if your actions cause an accident.
If you’re involved in an accident at an intersection because of another driver’s failure to follow the rules, you may be entitled to seek compensation. In Florida, this could cover expenses like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
Intersection Safety Saves Lives
According to the Federal Highway Administration, roughly half of all traffic-related injuries across the US occur around intersections. Sadly, about 20% of car accidents with fatalities happen at intersections.
Considering this, if you were injured in an intersection in St. Petersburg, a Florida personal injury attorney can help you get the financial compensation you deserve.
Contact the St. Petersburg Car Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in St. Petersburg. We have convenient locations in Florida: St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.
We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg Law Office
840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Safety Harbor Law Office
202 9th Ave S Suite A-2
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
(727) 787-2500
