What does a flashing red traffic light indicate?

A flashing red traffic light indicates that drivers must come to a complete stop at the intersection. This signal functions similarly to a stop sign. Once the vehicle has stopped, the driver should look for any oncoming traffic or other hazards and only proceed when it is safe to do so.

This rule is in place to ensure safety at intersections, particularly in situations where traffic control devices may not be fully effective. It requires drivers to take the necessary precautions and be aware of their surroundings before continuing. This is crucial for preventing accidents, as it encourages drivers to double-check the intersection's safety before re-entering the roadway.

The choice to proceed with caution would imply that a driver could move ahead without stopping, which is not accurate for a flashing red light. Yielding to pedestrians is important, but the flashing red light's primary instruction is to stop first. The option regarding turning left only suggests a restriction that does not apply to this signal; the flashing red applies universally to all directionality at the intersection.