Yielding Right of Way 102

Special Weather Edition!

When inclimate weather knocks the power out on a block with a traffic light, what do you do when approaching the flashing yellow signal?
A) Wildly hit your brakes and accelerator repeatedly, maybe at the same time?
B) Stop completely, allowing every...other...car to go through the stoplight before the dawn of the next day and you roll on through?
C) Just keep driving at full speed, seriously what could happen? It's not red, right?
D) Stop until the car in front of your goes, then tailgate like there's no tomorrow?

Answer? E) NONE OF THE ABOVE

Really? I could have sworn it was C...

Nope. And we all know the real answer to this: Treat it as a four-way stop. At least, I think we all know the answer. We should. It seriously has to be the simplest traffic rule to remember. I mean, yellow means caution right? Or does it mean gun it...or maybe slam on your brakes? Ah, I can't remember...back to the point.

Either this rule was not taught to 75% of the drivers in metro Atlanta (or across the entire Peach state, parts of South Carolina, and I'm guessing the US), or people panic during a crisis. And we all know that a flashing yellow light means REAL DANGER.

So, why is this a yielding lesson? "Treat it as a four-way stop"...the inherent definition for four-way stop is all directions yield. Once again, we have a problem with yielding. Here's the procedure when you approach a traffic signal that is flashing yellow:
1) Breathe. It's all going to work out. Don't panic.
2) Lift your foot from the accelerator; please do this before executing various braking methods.
3) Apply slight pressure to the brake pedal, increasing pressure until you are at a complete stop.
4) If you are behind other cars, lift and tap the brake pedal (gently!) in accordance with their braking patterns until your turn at the coveted stop line arrives.
5) Make a complete stop at the line; yielding in all directions to those who arrived before you.
6) Once you have cleared the intersection, proceed in your desired direction; keep a watchful eye for those left-turning me monsters!

Six easy steps (really, like two). Four-way stops are not that hard, but you do have to pay attention. I know it's confusing, what with all the cars coming together and all. It looks like a giant chicken match. But you can do it. I know you can.

With perseverance and application, we can win back the virtues of patience, attentiveness, and courtesy on the roadways...that'll be the day I stop writing this blog. So, kick back and enjoy my bloggy voice; you're in for a looooonnnnnng ride, friend.