San Diego (KGTV)- Homes and businesses aren't the only things being affected by power shut-offs Thursday. Traffic lights are also out, and it's causing a lot of confusion for drivers.
Just before 10 a.m., a crash happened at the intersection of Poway Road and Highway 67, where the traffic lights had no power. A car slammed into the side of an SUV.
Good Samaritans ran through traffic to assist and call 911. Both drivers are expected to be okay.
Hours earlier, traffic backed up for about half a mile during the morning rush hour. Drivers were confused about their turn to go.
"A lot of these people have been coming to this intersection for 30-plus years," says Deputy Nicholas McGregor. "They have an expectation that when they get here, it's going to be smooth, flow traffic. So when the lights go out, I think it's a hazard."
Wednesday night, a car rammed into the back of a truck after power was shut off at the intersection of Scripps Poway Parkway and Highway 67. The car burst into flames moments after the crash.
The Sheriff's Department says there are only about two hours of battery life on the traffic lights after the power is shut off. Deputies try to put as much signage out for drivers but say they should remain cautious.
