How should you approach an intersection with a malfunctioning traffic signal?

When approaching an intersection with a malfunctioning traffic signal, treating it as a four-way stop intersection is the correct approach. This means that all vehicles must stop and yield to any vehicles or pedestrians that have already entered the intersection. When drivers encounter a malfunctioning traffic signal, the expectation is to ensure safety by assessing the situation like a stop sign.

This procedure is in place to mitigate the risks of accidents that can occur when signals do not convey the right information about who has the right of way. Yielding and proceeding with caution allows drivers to navigate the intersection safely while taking into account the presence of other vehicles and pedestrians.

Other choices might lead to dangerous situations; simply continuing through without stopping could cause collisions since other drivers may not be stopping either. Accelerating to get through quickly increases the chance of an accident, as other vehicles may misinterpret the situation and enter the intersection simultaneously. Turning around and seeking an alternate route may not always be practical or safe and could create confusion and hazards for other drivers. Therefore, treating the intersection as a four-way stop is the most responsible and safest action to take.