DSP News Release: Thursday, February 12, 2009- Traffic Advisory

Location of Incident: Various locations throughout New Castle County

Date and Time of Occurrence: Thursday, February 12, 2009

Resume: The Delaware State Police is issuing a traffic advisory in reference to the high winds today and its impact on traffic. 

Multiple intersections have experienced periods of “lights out” where traffic signals have gone dark.  In North Wilmington, some power lines have also come down which required immediate repairs.

Should a motorist come upon a dark intersection, the following steps should be taken:

·        If traffic is light, treat the signal as if it were a stop sign.

·        Don’t assume to know what an oncoming driver is going to do.

·        Consider the safest option, instead of trying to make a left turn across a busy intersection, make a right turn. Attempt to find a functioning traffic signal or a place where it is marked and safe to conduct a u-turn.

·        Report the dark intersection when it is safe to do so.