You are approaching an intersection where a traffic signal is displaying a steady yellow light. If you have not already entered the intersection, you should:
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
If you are approaching an intersection with a steady yellow light, and you have not yet entered the intersection, you should slow down and prepare to stop.
Explanation:
A steady yellow light is a warning that the signal is about to turn red. The purpose of the yellow light is to provide drivers with time to react and safely stop before the light changes to red. It is crucial to understand the purpose of this warning signal to prevent accidents and ensure smooth traffic flow.
- What the Yellow Light Means: The yellow light is an indication that the light is about to turn red. It is not a signal to speed up and try to beat the light; rather, it’s meant to give you a chance to prepare to stop if you can do so safely. It’s a transition between green (go) and red (stop), allowing enough time for vehicles already in the intersection to clear before the red signal is activated.
- What to Do: If you are approaching the intersection and the light turns yellow, you must assess whether you can safely stop in time. If you are too close to the intersection and stopping would put you at risk of being rear-ended or not stopping in time, you should continue through the intersection. However, if you have enough space and time to safely stop, you should do so before entering the intersection.
- Avoiding a Violation: Running a yellow light can be dangerous, especially if it results in entering the intersection after the light has turned red. This can lead to accidents or traffic violations. In some jurisdictions, if you enter the intersection while the light is yellow and it turns red before you clear, you could be ticketed for running a red light. Therefore, always try to anticipate the light’s change and act accordingly to avoid dangerous situations.
In conclusion, when you see a yellow light and have not yet entered the intersection, your best option is to slow down and prepare to stop, ensuring you can stop safely and avoid a red light violation.