What must a driver do when a traffic signal is yellow?

When a traffic signal turns yellow, it signals that the light is about to change to red. The primary purpose of the yellow light is to alert drivers to prepare to stop, provided it is safe to do so. If a driver is far enough from the intersection when the light turns yellow, they should begin to slow down and stop if they can do so safely before crossing the stop line. This response promotes safety, as it allows traffic to clear the intersection and prevents potential collisions that could occur if drivers misunderstood the signal or rushed through it.

A response that suggests speeding up to clear the intersection could lead to dangerous situations, such as running a red light and risking an accident. Similarly, proceeding without concern for safety neglects the fundamental principle of traffic laws, which is to ensure the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians. Ignoring the signal entirely is obviously a disregard for traffic regulations and poses significant dangers to all road users. Preparing to stop, when done safely, is the correct and responsible action to take when approaching a yellow light.