Final answer:
When encountering blank traffic signals at an intersection, treat it as a four-way stop by coming to a complete stop and proceeding when safe. This practice enhances safety for all road users, including pedestrians, especially in high-traffic areas like school campuses.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you approach an intersection with traffic signals that are blank, the correct action to take is to treat it as a four-way stop. This means you must come to a complete stop and proceed when it is safe to do so. Proceeding with caution is always important, but not sufficient in this scenario; a complete stop is necessary. As for speeding up and crossing quickly, this is highly dangerous and against road safety regulations.
Pedestrian safety is also a significant concern at intersections, especially around campus areas where students frequently cross. Without working traffic signals, pedestrians have to navigate through moving vehicles, which can be hazardous. Thus, treating a malfunctioning traffic signal as a four-way stop can greatly enhance safety for all road users.
It is essential to note that failing to properly navigate a traffic signal outage can lead to accidents or harm to pedestrians. Always abide by road safety rules, even when traffic signals are not operational.