What does it mean when a traffic light turns yellow?

When a traffic light turns yellow, it serves as a warning for drivers that the light is about to change to red. The primary meaning of a yellow light is to prepare to stop. This is crucial for maintaining safety at intersections, as it alerts drivers that they may need to halt and refrain from entering the intersection to avoid potential accidents.

Choosing to speed up could lead to dangerous situations, especially if another vehicle is already in the intersection or if a driver misjudges their ability to clear it before the light turns red. Proceeding without caution may not only endanger the driver but also others on the road. Therefore, understanding that a yellow traffic light indicates the need to prepare to stop—and not to continue through it carelessly— is essential for safe driving practices.