What does a Yellow Traffic Light indicate?

A yellow traffic light serves as a warning that the signal is about to change to red. This is crucial because it alerts drivers to prepare to stop, especially those who are approaching the intersection. The intention behind a yellow light is not to encourage immediate stopping in all cases but to give drivers a chance to safely navigate the intersection, depending on their distance from it when the light turns yellow.

The presence of a yellow light means that those already in the intersection or too close to stop safely should proceed with caution while others who are farther away should begin to slow down and prepare to stop. This balance helps maintain safety and prevents confusion when signals change. Understanding this function of the yellow light is essential for anticipating traffic flow and making safe driving decisions.