If a traffic light is yellow, what action should a driver take?

When a traffic light is yellow, it serves as a warning that the light is about to turn red. The correct action for a driver is to prepare to stop if it is safe to do so. This means assessing the situation: checking the speed and distance of any vehicles behind, and determining if stopping is feasible without causing any hazard or collision. By preparing to stop, a driver can ensure that they do not inadvertently run a red light, which could endanger themselves and others at the intersection.

In this context, speeding up to clear the intersection can be dangerous, as it might lead to a situation where the driver enters the intersection just as the light turns red, causing potential accidents. Proceeding without stopping when the light is yellow would disregard the warning intent of the signal and could also lead to running the red light. Finally, the option to stop only if other cars are present does not take into account that even when there aren't other vehicles, it is still crucial to follow traffic signals for safety and legal compliance. Hence, preparing to stop safely is the most appropriate response.