A steady yellow traffic signal light is a warning that the light is about to change to red. If you are already within the intersection when a green light changes to yellow, you should:
Answers
Stop.
Continue moving and clear the intersection safely.
Increase your speed so as not to cause an accident.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Continue moving and clear the intersection safely.
Explanation:
A steady yellow traffic signal light serves as a warning that the light is about to change to red. It is intended to alert drivers that they need to prepare to stop. However, if you are already in the intersection when the light changes from green to yellow, the best course of action is to continue moving and clear the intersection safely.
Here’s why:
- Traffic Flow and Safety: If you are already in the intersection when the light turns yellow, stopping abruptly could create an unsafe situation. Other vehicles behind you may not expect you to stop suddenly, and this could lead to rear-end collisions. By continuing through the intersection, you are ensuring that traffic flow remains smooth and minimizing the risk of accidents.
- Rules of the Road: Traffic laws generally state that drivers should clear the intersection when they are already within it at the time the light changes to yellow. If you are too far into the intersection, stopping may not be possible without obstructing the flow of cross traffic or endangering yourself or others.
- Distance and Speed Considerations: If you are close to the intersection when the light turns yellow, slowing down might make sense. However, if you are already well into it, it’s safer to continue at a steady, safe speed to avoid the potential for confusion or hazards. Increasing your speed is not recommended, as it can increase the risk of losing control or causing an accident.
In contrast, stopping when you are already in the intersection could lead to dangerous situations, especially if vehicles behind you aren’t prepared to stop or if you’re blocking traffic from the opposite direction.
Ultimately, the goal is to ensure safe passage through the intersection without causing confusion or harm to others on the road.