What does a yellow traffic light indicate?

A yellow traffic light indicates that the signal is about to change to red, which means drivers should take immediate action to ensure safety. The correct response is to slow down and prepare to stop, allowing enough time to safely come to a halt before the light turns red. This action helps prevent potential collisions that could occur if a driver were to continue through the intersection after the light has changed.

While there may be situations where proceeding with caution is appropriate, such as if a vehicle is too close to the intersection to stop safely, this is not the primary instruction conveyed by a yellow light. Similarly, an instruction to stop immediately might not be suitable in every scenario, especially if stopping could lead to an unsafe condition due to the vehicle's position or surrounding traffic. The option to increase speed to clear the intersection is generally unsafe and not advisable, as it can lead to dangerous situations, especially if the light changes abruptly. Thus, the correct emphasis is on slowing down and preparing to stop when encountering a yellow traffic light.