What does a yellow traffic light indicate?

Answer: C — The light is about to turn red; you should prepare to stop

A yellow traffic light serves as a warning to drivers that the signal is about to change to red. It indicates that you should prepare to stop if it is safe to do so. This is crucial for maintaining safe traffic flow and preventing collisions at intersections. When the light turns yellow, it is a signal that the green phase is ending, and drivers should be alert and ready to halt their vehicles. Understanding this signal helps in making informed decisions, as they must assess their distance from the intersection and the speed at which they are traveling to determine whether stopping is the best option. Recognizing the meaning of the yellow light is essential for safe driving, as disregarding it can lead to dangerous situations or traffic violations. The other options do not accurately communicate the purpose of a yellow light; for instance, while the yellow light does not indicate that you should speed up or that the signal is malfunctioning, it is important to approach it with caution.