What is the meaning of a yellow traffic light?

A yellow traffic light signals that the light is about to change to red, indicating that drivers should prepare to stop if it is safe to do so. This is an important safety measure designed to ensure that all vehicles can clear the intersection in a controlled manner. The underlying purpose of the yellow light is to alert drivers to the imminent change in traffic control and give them the necessary time to react appropriately.

While some drivers might think that they should speed up to clear the intersection upon seeing a yellow light, that can lead to unsafe situations, especially if the light changes to red while they are still in the intersection. The other options suggest inappropriate actions, such as ignoring the light or proceeding without caution, which do not align with safe driving practices. Being prepared to stop fosters a safer environment for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.