Sean O' Rourke | May 29, 2025
Navigating intersections is routine for Texas drivers, but risks are often overlooked. While passing through intersections with functioning lights is typically straightforward, accidents can occur if traffic rules are ignored. Flashing traffic lights, however, require quick understanding and action.
Hesitating, even briefly, can result in serious accidents. Below is an overview of the importance of flashing lights at intersections and the necessary precautions drivers should take.
What Flashing Lights at an Intersection Mean
It is essential to familiarize yourself with the proper response to each of the traffic signals outlined below. Understanding these signals thoroughly will enable you to react promptly and confidently without hesitation when encountered on the road.
Flashing Red Light
Treat a flashing red light like a stop sign. Stop completely, check for cross traffic and pedestrians (even jaywalkers), and then proceed as soon as it is safe to do so. If there’s a flashing red light at a four-way intersection, all drivers must stop and proceed in the order of arrival, or yield to the driver on the right if arriving simultaneously. Running a flashing red light is equivalent to running a stop sign.
Flashing Yellow Light
Legally, you have no obligation to stop at a flashing yellow light. It is likely that cross traffic will face a flashing red light under these circumstances. You can proceed through the light without stopping, but do so carefully. Watch out for other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, regardless of whether they have the right of way.
Flashing Green Light
Strictly speaking, a flashing green light has no particular meaning. Practically, however, it means that the light is malfunctioning. Accordingly, treat it like a four-way stop.
Flashing Red Arrow
A flashing red arrow functions as a stop sign. Come to a complete stop and then proceed as soon as it is safe to do so.
Flashing Green Arrow
A flashing green arrow has no particular meaning under Texas law. Treat it as a malfunctioning light–in other words, a four-way stop.
Flashing Yellow Arrow
A flashing yellow arrow means you can turn after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Be careful turning left, because left turns are the cause of many of the most serious car accidents.
Meanings of Other Types of Lights
In addition to standard traffic signals, there are other types of lights that drivers must recognize and respond to appropriately for safety.
A Dark Light
A dark light is a malfunctioning light, and you should treat it the same way you would treat a flashing green light–as a four-way stop. The danger is that a driver on the cross street won’t see the light at all and will attempt to zoom through it. Since that would put you in danger of a side-impact collision, proceed with extreme care.
RR Crossing Signs
A railroad crossing sign has two red lights, either beside each other or one on top of the other. The lights will flash in an alternating pattern. You will also hear a characteristic bell-like sound. You should never attempt to run a railroad crossing.
A Houston Car Accident Lawyer Can Help if You’ve Been in an Accident Contact Us For Legal Assistance Today
If you are involved in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident resulting from an at-fault driver misinterpreting a traffic signal, it is highly advisable to consult with an experienced Houston personal injury attorney. This is especially true if your case involves a wrongful death claim.
Remember, many personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay attorney’s fees if your case is successful.
For more information, please get in touch with the Houston personal injury attorneys at Simon & O’Rourke Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
Simon & O’Rourke Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
440 Louisiana St Suite 2300-A, Houston, TX 77002
(281) 667-4081