In accordance with an embodiment, a method for controlling a traffic signal includes providing a malfunction management unit configured to generate a control signal and generating the control signal in response to a first signal from a first light source. The control signal is used to disable the first light source. In accordance with another embodiment, a traffic control system includes a malfunction management unit coupled to a first signal head. The traffic control system further includes a means to inhibit a signal that causes a first light source associated with the first signal head to flash.