What must you do when approaching a traffic signal that is yellow?

When approaching a traffic signal that is yellow, the correct action is to prepare to stop safely before the intersection. A yellow traffic signal indicates that the light is about to turn red, which means drivers should be cautious and make preparations to halt their vehicle to avoid running the red light.

This is crucial not only for ensuring compliance with traffic laws, but also for maintaining safety on the road. By preparing to stop, drivers are given the opportunity to assess their surroundings and ensure that they can stop safely, preventing accidents. It’s also worth noting that you should only proceed through the intersection if stopping safely is not possible—this typically means you didn’t have enough distance to come to a complete stop before the intersection when the light turned yellow.

In contrast, speeding up to pass before the light turns red disregards the traffic signal and can lead to dangerous situations, including collisions if another vehicle is entering the intersection. Ignoring the signal if no cars are coming dismisses the rules of the road, which apply to everyone regardless of current traffic conditions. Lastly, while smoothly braking and coming to a full stop is also a safe action, it does not recognize the initial precaution of preparing to stop, which is important as you approach a changing light. Thus, preparing