What does a yellow light indicate?

A yellow light indicates that the traffic signal is about to turn red, signaling drivers to prepare to stop if it is safe to do so. It serves as a warning that they need to take action, typically giving them the opportunity to clear the intersection before the light changes fully to red. This is crucial for maintaining traffic flow and safety.

It's also important to recognize that while some might think speeding up to clear the intersection is a viable option, this can lead to unsafe situations, especially if drivers misjudge their speed or distance to the intersection. The correct approach is to assess whether stopping is safe and appropriate, making caution essential.

Proceeding with caution unless turning is certainly part of the appropriate response to a yellow light, but the more immediate takeaway is the indication of an impending red light. Similarly, a stop being required is not always accurate, as it depends on factors such as distance from the light and the speed of travel when the light turns yellow. Thus, while caution and potential stopping are necessary considerations, the primary indication a yellow light provides is the transition to a red light ahead.