California’s largest power companies plan to shut off at-risk power lines, to prevent sparking wildfires, but that could also mean shutting off power for days at a time. Caltrans operates nearly 5,000 traffic signals statewide. Caltrans Information Officer Alisa Becerra shows us that Caltrans wants to make sure you are ready, if and when the power is shut off.

In the event of a power outage, traffic signals may convert to a flashing red light or lose power and go dark, and street lights could turn off. Motorists should treat flashing red signal lights as an all-way stop and treat every entrance to an intersection as a stop sign.

When emergency personnel are at a scene directing traffic and giving specific instructions, default to their authority over flashing red lights. Always follow the directions of emergency
personnel.

Drive cautiously and watch out for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Caltrans has also activated its changeable message signs across the state reminding motorists that when traffic lights are out, treat as stop signs.