If a traffic light changes from green to yellow as you approach an intersection, what should you do?

When a traffic light changes from green to yellow, it indicates that the light is about to turn red. This is a warning for drivers to prepare to stop. The appropriate response in this situation is to slow down and be prepared to stop if it is safe to do so.

This means you should assess your distance from the intersection and the speed at which you are traveling. If you are too close to the intersection to stop safely, proceeding cautiously may be necessary, but the primary goal should always be to prepare to stop safely. Slowing down helps to ensure that you can react appropriately to any sudden changes, such as pedestrians unexpectedly crossing or others on the road also reacting to the light change.

In contrast, speeding up to cross the intersection can be dangerous, as it increases the likelihood of running a red light and risking collisions. Stopping immediately could also pose a risk if vehicles behind you are not prepared for your sudden stop, which could lead to rear-end accidents. Continuing without changes disregards the warning of the yellow light and could result in running a red light, which is illegal and unsafe.