In Rolling Blackouts: Treat Signal Intersections as Four-Way Stops

    LOS ANGELES--March 19, 2001--Southern California motorists may find themselves driving through areas with rolling blackouts today.
    The Automobile Club of Southern California is reminding drivers that they should treat intersections with disabled traffic signals as four-way stops, and exercise caution, patience and courtesy.
    "The general rules for safely driving through an intersection with a blacked-out signal are the same as those for a four-way stop," said Arline Dillman, traffic safety manager for the Auto Club. "Although we hope that rolling blackouts won't disable signals on major arterial streets, there is a possibility we could experience some traffic congestion from disabled signals. It's important to be patient in these situations, as frustrating as they can be."
    At a disabled intersection, drivers should:

--	Come to a complete stop.
--	Cross the intersection when it's "their turn." If two vehicles traveling in different directions arrive at the intersection at the same time, the driver on the right has the right-of-way.
--	If it is a multi-lane major intersection, cross the intersection in an alternating pattern with the flow of traffic, allowing for left turns.
--	Be courteous to drivers making left turns and exercise caution if turning left.
--	Watch out for drivers who aren't following the four-way stop rules.