What does a yellow traffic signal indicate?

A yellow traffic signal serves as a cautionary signal to drivers, indicating that they should prepare to stop because the light will soon transition to red. This is crucial for maintaining safety on the road. The purpose of the yellow light is to provide a short warning period for drivers to either stop if it is safe to do so or to clear the intersection before the red signal is activated.

Driving through an intersection on a yellow light without caution can lead to accidents, as other drivers and pedestrians may be expecting vehicles to stop. Thus, recognizing the yellow light as an alert to slow down and be ready to stop is vital for safe driving practices. Normal traffic laws dictate that one should not accelerate to pass through the signal once it has changed to yellow, reinforcing the need for drivers to be attentive to their surroundings and act accordingly.