Final answer:
A non-working traffic signal at a 4-way intersection should be treated as a stop sign to ensure safety and order among vehicles and pedestrians.
Step-by-step explanation:
When approaching a 4-way intersection where the traffic signal is not working, it's imperative to regard it as a stop sign. This practice ensures pedestrian safety and helps to minimize the risk of accidents. At a non-functional traffic signal, all vehicles are required to come to a complete stop and proceed through the intersection one by one in the order they arrived, much like at a four-way stop. This rule is important for preventing accidents in situations when a signal light malfunctions or during power outages.
Lastly, a functioning signal plays a crucial role in reducing traffic accidents; however, when said signal is out, treating the intersection as a stop sign can preserve the control necessary to keep accident rates low. With increased vehicular traffic and the rise in nearby businesses and facilities, such as a manufacturing plant or strip mall, the importance of implementing correct driving etiquette at malfunctioning traffic lights becomes even more pertinent.