Practice question

What should drivers remember when they see a traffic light turning yellow?

  1. Only proceed if already in the intersection
  2. Stop if it is safe to do so
  3. Speed up and pass before red
  4. Prepare to make a right turn

Answer: B — Stop if it is safe to do so

When drivers see a traffic light turning yellow, the fundamental action to take is to stop if it is safe to do so. A yellow traffic light serves as a warning that the signal is about to change to red, indicating that drivers should prepare to stop. The intention of the yellow light is to provide a transitional period during which drivers can make decisions based on their position and the traffic conditions. Stopping safely means evaluating whether a stop can be made without endangering oneself or other road users. If a driver is too close to the intersection to stop safely, they may proceed, but this should only happen if stopping would create a hazard, such as being rear-ended. The key point is that a driver should prioritize safety and make a judgment call based on their current speed and distance to the intersection when the yellow light appears. The other options do not align with the standard traffic rule concerning yellow lights. Simply accelerating to get through before the red light or planning to make a right turn does not address the primary safety consideration that drivers face when encountering a yellow signal.

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