Practice question

As you approach an intersection and the traffic signal changes from green to yellow, what action should you take?

  1. Accelerate to get through before it turns red
  2. Stop only if you are close to the intersection
  3. Proceed confidently through the intersection
  4. Do not enter the intersection if you can safely stop

Answer: D — Do not enter the intersection if you can safely stop

When the traffic signal changes from green to yellow, the appropriate action is to not enter the intersection if you can safely stop. This principle is based on the purpose of the yellow phase, which serves as a warning that the light is about to turn red. The goal is to give drivers sufficient time to react, allowing them to decide whether to stop safely or to continue through the intersection if they are too close to stop in time. Choosing to stop ensures that you avoid running a red light, which can lead to dangerous situations such as collisions with cross traffic that may not see you and may enter the intersection once the light turns red. Additionally, observing this action promotes overall safety and compliance with traffic laws. In scenarios where drivers accelerate to pass through, they risk not only running the red light but also creating potential hazards for themselves and others, particularly during the transition phase of the traffic signal. Assuming one is close to the intersection may lead to misjudgment regarding stopping distances or speeds, which can also result in unsafe driving practices. Therefore, the best course of action is to prioritize safety by stopping if it is possible to do so without endangering yourself or other road users.

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