When you see a yellow light while driving, the appropriate response is to prepare to stop if it is safe to do so. A yellow light serves as a warning that the signal is about to change to red, indicating that vehicles should be cautious and ready to halt. This is an important safety measure to prevent accidents that could occur if drivers continue to proceed through an intersection without considering the impending change in traffic control.
By preparing to stop, you allow for a safe transition through the intersection, giving yourself and other drivers the opportunity to react appropriately to the light change. It's important to assess the situation: if you are too close to the intersection to stop safely, you may need to continue driving, but this should only be done after evaluating that it is indeed safe to do so.
Disregarding the yellow light or speeding up to get through the intersection can lead to dangerous situations, including running a red light, which could result in collisions. Therefore, understanding the meaning of traffic lights and how to respond is crucial for safe driving practices.