What does a yellow traffic light indicate?

A yellow traffic light serves as a warning that the signal is about to change to red, indicating that drivers should prepare to stop. This means that when you see a yellow light, it is important to reduce speed and be ready to stop safely before the intersection. This signal alerts drivers to the imminent change in traffic control, allowing them to react appropriately to avoid potential accidents.

The option of stopping immediately may not always be safe, especially if you are very close to the intersection, as sudden stops can lead to rear-end collisions. Proceeding with caution is important, but the emphasis of the yellow light is more on preparing to stop rather than simply being cautious. Lastly, while it might be tempting to continue driving when you see a yellow light, doing so without adjusting your speed to stop can lead to running a red light, which is against traffic rules. Therefore, the correct understanding of the yellow light is that it signals drivers to prepare for a stop as the light will soon turn red.