What would happen if all traffic lights stopped working?

[whocares]

I think all intersections and streets would go crazy. People will be forced to get on to the freeway, but will get stuck as soon as they get off an exit. People will not be able to get from one place to another easily and getting to work would also be impossible. I think there would be riots and mass looting, when cars are all stuck on the streets and cops can't get through. It would kill us.

[crazzyass]

Traffic lights go out semi-regularly and it's not a big deal.

In fact, there's a legal tool already set up to handle it: treat intersections like four-way stops. I've been in one of these situations and that rule works fine. Like JFLC said, traffic is a little less orderly but the world doesn't end.

[whocares]

Traffic lights go out semi-regularly and it's not a big deal.

In fact, there's a legal tool already set up to handle it: treat intersections like four-way stops. I've been in one of these situations and that rule works fine. Like JFLC said, traffic is a little less orderly but the world doesn't end.

When every intersection is like a 4-way stop sign, it's gonna get stuck.

[13579]

Anyone who has their drivers license should know this. (Since it's in the damned book you read).

Like the person above me said, intersections turn into 4-way stops. Nothing spectacular or exciting.

[roasted]

whocares just watched Die Hard 4....

[crazzyass]

When every intersection is like a 4-way stop sign, it's gonna get stuck.

A little congested, yes, but nothing too crazy. Plus police officers will direct traffic at the most congested areas, so it'll be much smoother there. Yeah, nothing will happen.

[whocares]

A little congested, yes, but nothing too crazy. Plus police officers will direct traffic at the most congested areas, so it'll be much smoother there. Yeah, nothing will happen.

Lies! When there are intersections of 5-6 lanes and main streets acting like stop signs, there would be no flow. That's every intersection and main street.

[crazzyass]

Lies! When there are intersections of 5-6 lanes and main streets acting like stop signs, there would be no flow. That's every intersection and main street.

Are you stupid or are you trolling? There would be congestion for a while, but it wouldn't take too long to get the lights back up and running.

[Nik0]

no big deal? shit would take FOREVER

[whocares]

Are you stupid or are you trolling? There would be congestion for a while, but it wouldn't take too long to get the lights back up and running.

I'm talking about if all traffic lights stopped working for like days.

[crazzyass]

I'm talking about if all traffic lights stopped working for like days.

Which would require either a massive blackout or for the laws of physics to stop working. Either one of those presents way larger challenges than just traffic lights. :facepalm:

[whocares]

Which would require either a massive blackout or for the laws of physics to stop working. Either one of those presents way larger challenges than just traffic lights. :facepalm:

Which is why this is a "What would happen" thread, not a "How it would happen" thread. :facepalm:

[Miley Highrus]

Nothing would happen you fucking moron? Are you just assuming that every person would sit at the light forever? We know you are a pussy 12 year old asian but come on man.

[tomjohens]

I think it would be a bad, scary thing if all traffic lights stopped working. Innocent people might get into a car accident :(

-Tom

[whocares]

Nothing would happen you fucking moron? Are you just assuming that every person would sit at the light forever? We know you are a pussy 12 year old asian but come on man.

No... just no.

[The Cheshire Cat]

No Lights, No Traffic - YouTube

It's already been done. Kind of surprising outcome, really. The thing about it is that it wouldn't work quite well in big cities as well as smaller towns and suburbs.

[ratfrink]

Jesus Christ. Our members used to stick their dicks into toasters and take photos for lulz... but this is the most boring thread in the world. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

[Drox]

It would be semi-chaos in big cities, especially during rush hour. People still have trouble with regular 4-way stops. Now add 2-4 lanes in each direction and 20x the amount of cars...

[MasterPython]

My city has way too many traffic lights and almost none of them are timed and a lot don't have sensors. So when the power goes out there are places where in runs smoother.

[mizled]

I would open a new business venture called 'Acme Traffic Light Repair', franchise it all across the country thereby making a billion dollars in like two months.

Winning.

[Malice]

Spontaneous order > statism

[Irukanji]

It is a self-regulating system. No traffic lights will make people much more cautious when approaching intersections. You'd have a sudden spike in accidents, but after that the system would correct itself and people would understand that in order to preserve their car and person they will have to be careful near intersections.