What should you do when you see a flashing yellow traffic light?

When you encounter a flashing yellow traffic light, the appropriate response is to slow down and prepare to stop for any potential traffic that may be crossing your path. A flashing yellow light indicates caution, alerting drivers that they should be aware of their surroundings and ready to respond to any changing conditions at the intersection.

This means that while you do not have to stop like you would for a red light, you must still reduce your speed and be prepared for any vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians that might be approaching from the other direction or entering the intersection. This helps ensure safety for everyone on the road.

In contrast, speeding up to clear the intersection poses risks as it doesn’t allow the driver to respond to other vehicles or hazards that might not be visible immediately. Stopping immediately could lead to unexpected rear-end collisions, especially if other drivers are not expecting such a sudden stop. Ignoring the light and proceeding without caution could also result in dangerous situations where the driver fails to yield to incoming traffic or pedestrians, potentially leading to accidents.