What does a flashing red traffic signal mean?

Answer: B — Stop and proceed when safe

A flashing red traffic signal indicates that drivers must stop completely and only proceed when it is safe to do so, similar to a stop sign. This signal alerts drivers to treat the situation as a stop, emphasizing the need for caution and awareness of surrounding traffic and pedestrians before continuing. It signifies that while the driver must halt, they can resume their journey once they have ensured that it is safe—meaning they should check for any oncoming vehicles or obstacles that may pose a hazard. This rule is crucial for ensuring the safety of all road users at intersections or locations where traffic flow might be impacted. In this context, other options do not accurately reflect the requirements of a flashing red signal. For instance, proceeding with caution implies a level of movement that isn’t appropriate unless the driver has completely stopped and assessed the environment thoroughly. Yielding to cross traffic and continuing at the same speed suggest that a driver can move without fully stopping, which neglects the necessity of a complete halt mandated by a flashing red light.