What does a yellow traffic light indicate?

A yellow traffic light indicates that drivers should prepare to stop if it is safe to do so. This signal acts as a warning that the traffic light is about to change to red, permitting the driver to make a decision regarding stopping or continuing through the intersection. The emphasis is on caution—drivers are advised to evaluate the situation and, if they are too close to the intersection to stop safely, they should continue through the intersection with care.

The principle behind this is to promote safety by ensuring that vehicles do not abruptly stop in intersections where they could pose risks to themselves or other road users. Additionally, understanding this function is crucial for maintaining smooth and safe traffic flow. While some might be tempted to accelerate to clear the intersection before the light turns red, this could lead to accidents or breaches of traffic laws and is not the intended action associated with a yellow light.