Victor Waite | March 14, 2025 | Car Accidents Near Delray Beach, FL
Flashing traffic lights in Delray Beach can catch any driver off guard. While they’re often used when signals aren’t working or to maintain focus in unusual traffic areas, they require drivers to stay sharp. In 2024 alone, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles recorded over 380,000 traffic crashes, with many happening at intersections.
What Do Flashing Traffic Lights Mean In Florida?
Flashing lights are an alternative method of traffic control. You’ll typically see them when a light is malfunctioning or when an intersection doesn’t warrant a full-time signal.
According to Florida law:
- A flashing red light means stop, just like a stop sign.
- A flashing yellow light signals caution but doesn’t require a full stop.
These lights are often located in places where drivers will need to slow down or when visibility is compromised, like at odd intersections, school zones, or roads that have lots of pedestrians.
What Should You Do At a Flashing Red Light?
When you encounter a flashing red light in Delray Beach, you should treat it as if it were a four-way stop sign, meaning:
- Come to a complete stop before entering the crosswalk area
- Look both ways and yield to any pedestrians or other traffic
- Proceed when it is safe to do so
This rule holds even if others on the road don’t follow it. Defensive driving is key. If you’re in a car accident in Delray Beach, failing to stop at a flashing red light could play a major role in how fault is determined.
What To Do At a Flashing Yellow Light
Flashing yellow lights don’t require a stop, but they do require your attention.
These lights are commonly found near:
- School zones
- Crosswalks or pedestrian crossings
- Construction or maintenance areas
- Intersections with limited visibility
When you see a flashing yellow, slow down. Look out for pedestrians, cyclists, or cars entering from side streets. Just because you have the right of way doesn’t mean it’s safe to barrel through.
What To Do if All Lights Are Out
If the lights are completely dark, which is often the case after a storm or during a power outage, treat the intersection like a four-way stop. According to the Florida Driver Handbook, each vehicle must come to a full stop and proceed in turn.
It’s easy to assume others will follow the same rules, but don’t count on it. Wait your turn, make eye contact if possible, and only cross when it’s clearly safe.
Right-of-Way Rules Still Apply
Even when signals are flashing, the basic right-of-way rules remain the same.
If multiple vehicles arrive at a flashing red at the same time:
- The first driver to stop goes first
- If two drivers arrive simultaneously, the one on the right goes first
- A driver going straight has priority over one who’s turning
Misunderstanding these rules can lead to intersection crashes, some of which cause catastrophic injuries, including brain injuries or permanent disability.
Stay Safe at Intersections With Flashing Lights
When you’re not sure what to do, slow down.
Keep these tips in mind:
- Always stop completely at a flashing red light
- Yield to pedestrians and other vehicles, even if it slows you down
- Don’t assume others will follow the rules
- Treat dark intersections/signal outages like a four-way stop
- Use extra care driving at night or in lower-visibility areas
- Take your time; driving safely is the most important thing you can do
Flashing lights at intersections aren’t just suggestions. They’re legal traffic controls with rules drivers must follow. Whether red or yellow, these signals are there to keep traffic moving safely and reduce the risk of accidents. Understanding what to do at flashing lights in Delray Beach helps protect you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm In Delray Beach, FL
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Delray Beach, and need legal help, contact our Delray Beach car accident lawyers at The Injury Law Firm, PA to schedule a free consultation.
The Injury Law Firm, PA.
301 W. Atlantic Ave, Suite O-1
Delray Beach, FL 33444
(561) 800-4357
