Which of the following do you do when you approach a malfunctioning traffic signal?
- Come to a complete stop and yield the right of way to any cars already in the intersection or pedestrians already in the crosswalk before proceeding.
- Slow down and proceed through the intersection with caution, yielding if necessary for pedestrians or traffic.
- Continue through the intersection if you are on a main thoroughfare or stop if you are on a side street approaching a main thoroughfare.
Well, chances are if you are a safe driver, you chose #1. Coming October 1st, all drivers will need to make the same choice to avoid pretty hefty penalties because it will be the law.
New traffic legislation goes into effect for the state of Maryland on October 1, 2012. The law requires all drivers to come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians and traffic in the intersection at malfunctioning traffic signals.
To help enforce this new law, there will be penalties in effect for drivers who don’t comply. The penalty is $90 and two points on your drivers license, however, if an accident occurs, the penalty increases to $130 and three points – nothing to sneeze at.
Just as embracing automotive preventive maintenance practices can keep you safe and your car on the road, so can embracing safe driving practices. We want to be sure all of our readers stay safe and informed on traffic legislation that can impact them.
photo courtesy of andyathlon
