What does it mean when a traffic light turns yellow?

When a traffic light turns yellow, it serves as a warning to drivers that the light is about to change to red. This indicates that vehicles should prepare to stop if it is safe to do so. The intention behind the yellow light is to provide a brief and clear signal to prevent accidents and to ensure that drivers are aware that they need to take appropriate action, whether that be stopping or, in some cases, proceeding cautiously if stopping would be unsafe.

In instances where drivers may be caught in a scenario where stopping suddenly could lead to a collision, they are advised to proceed with caution. However, generally, the primary and safest action is to prepare to stop unless doing so would endanger the driver or other road users. This understanding is crucial for maintaining traffic safety and ensuring smooth flow at intersections.