Practice question

What action should you take when the light turns yellow?

  1. Accelerate to cross before it turns red
  2. Stop if it is safe to do so
  3. Ignore the light and keep going
  4. Prepare to turn left

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

When the light turns yellow, the appropriate action is to stop if it is safe to do so. A yellow light indicates that the traffic signal is about to change to red, warning drivers to prepare to stop. It is crucial to assess the situation quickly and determine if stopping is possible without endangering yourself or other vehicles. Stopping when the light turns yellow helps maintain safety on the road by preventing potential accidents that could occur if drivers attempt to rush through the intersection. It reinforces the understanding that yellow lights are a cautionary signal, not a cue to accelerate. In many cases, drivers should not be in such a hurry that they cannot stop safely when necessary. Recognizing that yellow does not mean go is key to responsible driving behavior.

Practice more: CMSC Driver's Ed Practice Test →