At 11:50 AM on February 6th, an unusual incident involving traffic signal malfunction occurred at the intersection of Le Duuan, Vu Quang, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, and Truong Chinh streets in Ha Tinh City. The event was captured by the dashcam of a car and quickly drew public attention.
Traffic lights suddenly changed to red, causing confusion
Traffic lights unexpectedly switched from green to red, creating difficulties for road users (Screenshot from video).
Unexpected Situation at Ha Tinh Intersection
According to the video, when vehicles stopped due to the traffic light turning red, the light then turned green and began counting down from 29 seconds. However, with only 23 seconds left in the green phase, the traffic light suddenly reverted back to red.
This incident left many drivers perplexed. Some motorbikes continued to move through the intersection, while the driver of a Peugeot car activated their turn signal to make a left turn onto Le Duuan Street. Upon noticing the light change to red, the driver decided to reverse their vehicle, leading to chaos in the busy intersection.
Cause and Response from Authorities
In the afternoon of the same day, Captain Duong Thi Hong Ngan, Head of the Traffic Police Division of Ha Tinh City Police, confirmed the incident and stated that the traffic signal belongs to the management of Ha Tinh City People’s Committee and is maintained by Environmental and Urban Development Joint Stock Company.
“After receiving the report, we contacted the company to send personnel for immediate inspection. These are solar-powered traffic lights, so a lack of energy can cause such anomalies. However, they usually return to normal afterward. This is a very rare occurrence,” Captain Ngan shared.
The Traffic Police Division will also extract footage from cameras to assess the entire situation. Drivers involved in such incidents due to faulty signals will not be penalized.
Lessons Learned from the Incident
The malfunctioning traffic lights at the Ha Tinh intersection serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of maintaining and regularly servicing traffic infrastructure. While this is a rare event, it raises questions about the reliability of solar-powered devices in unstable weather conditions.
Tips for Road Users
- Observe Signals Carefully: Drivers should always stay focused and carefully observe traffic signals before moving.
- React Flexibly: In case of any irregularities, remain calm and handle the situation safely to avoid congestion or accidents.
- Report Promptly: If similar issues occur, residents should immediately inform relevant authorities for prompt resolution.
Conclusion
The traffic signal malfunction at the Ha Tinh intersection highlights potential problems in urban infrastructure systems. Although this is a rare occurrence, it underscores the importance of regular maintenance and technology upgrades to ensure traffic safety. Additionally, the flexibility and alertness of road users play a vital role in minimizing risks during unexpected situations.
Always adhere to traffic laws and be prepared to handle any situation to ensure your safety and that of the community!
Source: Dan Tri
