Stephen Schultz | July 1, 2025 | Car Accidents
Flashing lights at intersections signal the need for heightened awareness. These alerts help manage the flow of traffic and protect both drivers and pedestrians. Your ability to recognize and respond to them quickly and correctly is essential for safety. At busy intersections, every moment counts—proceed with caution and confidence.
This article will look at what different types of flashing traffic signals mean, how to respond appropriately as a driver or pedestrian, and what to do if an accident occurs at a flashing light intersection.
What to Do at a Flashing Red Light
A flashing red light means you must come to a complete stop—just like at a stop sign. Stop at the marked line, before the crosswalk, or before entering the intersection. Check all directions for oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Yield the right-of-way to vehicles that arrived before you and proceed only when it’s safe and the intersection is clear.
Be especially cautious—cross traffic may still be moving, and some drivers may not yield as required. Pedestrians can enter from either side, so stay alert. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s safest to wait an extra moment before proceeding.
What a Flashing Yellow Light Means
A flashing yellow light signals that you should proceed with caution. While you are not required to stop, you must slow down and stay alert. Watch carefully for oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, and any potential hazards in the intersection. Yield the right-of-way if necessary to avoid a collision.
If you encounter a flashing yellow arrow, you may make the turn, but only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Always exercise good judgment and prioritize safety when moving through the intersection.
Why Drivers Often Make Mistakes at Intersections
Intersections can be complex and overwhelming, with traffic flowing from multiple directions and signals to interpret quickly. In these high-pressure moments, drivers may become distracted, misread signs or signals, or react impulsively—all of which increase the risk of a crash.
Common mistakes include confusing flashing yellow lights with green lights, prompting drivers to accelerate when they should slow down. Others may fail to notice pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicles with the right-of-way. Even small lapses in judgment at intersections can lead to serious and preventable accidents.
What Happens When a Driver Ignores the Rules
Disregarding flashing traffic signals can lead to serious legal and safety consequences. A flashing red light requires a full stop—failing to do so not only violates traffic laws but also endangers everyone at the intersection. If law enforcement witnesses a driver running a flashing red, they may issue a citation, impose fines, or even pursue more serious charges depending on the outcome.
Similarly, a flashing yellow light calls for caution and yielding. Drivers who speed through without checking for oncoming traffic or pedestrians put lives at risk.
Intersection collisions are a leading cause of personal injury lawsuits. Drivers who fail to obey traffic signals may be held legally liable for resulting injuries, property damage, and other losses. Courts expect all drivers to follow the rules—safe, responsible driving not only prevents accidents but also protects you from costly legal consequences.
How a Crash at a Flashing Light Can Lead to a Personal Injury Claim
When a driver fails to obey a flashing signal and causes a collision, injured victims may have the right to file a personal injury claim. The law allows them to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and other related losses—as long as they were not at fault.
In these cases, the moments leading up to the crash are critical. A thorough investigation can help establish what happened and who was responsible. Insurance companies will examine every detail, including traffic camera footage, witness statements, and physical evidence from the scene.
If you’re found to have run a flashing red light, you may be held liable—and that can impact your insurance rates, your finances, and your legal standing. Acting cautiously and following the rules isn’t just safer—it’s also the best protection against costly claims.
Contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident at an intersection with flashing lights, it’s important to consult a lawyer experienced in traffic-related personal injury cases. Contact the attorneys at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation, we proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County and Boone County and we have offices in St. Louis, Ladue, Columbia, Creve Coeur.
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
1430 Washington Ave Ste 225
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 444-4444
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Ladue Office
9807 S 40 Dr
St. Louis, MO 63124
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Columbia Office
28 N 8th St # 502
Columbia, MO 65201
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
999 Executive Pkwy Dr #205
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
