Traffic lights convey meaningful information to drivers through their colors. Green means go and red means stop. We know these rules. We’ve probably known them since we were little. But what does the yellow light mean?
Now that you’re going for your driver’s license, Driven2Drive wants to update you on the subtleties of the lights and what to do when you enter an intersection when they’re flashing yellow.
Traffic lights and their meaning
Each colored light in the tri-colored traffic signal has its own special meaning. Sometimes, traffic lights behave differently from what you may expect, and it’s important to understand the meaning of each light in order to drive safely.
Red traffic lights
There’s only one thing to think about when you see a red traffic light: Stop! You must come to a complete stop at the intersection until the light turns green. If you encounter a flashing red light, you should also treat this as a stop sign. Come to a complete stop until it is safe to proceed through the intersection.
While there are many intersections that allow a right turn on red, once you’ve come to a complete stop, you must look for signs that may prevent this turn before proceeding with caution.
Green traffic lights
The beauty of the green light is the message to keep driving safely and cautiously through your intersection. Go, green!
Yellow or Amber traffic lights
The solid yellow light on a traffic signal tells you that the light is about to turn red. This gives you ample time to slow down and come to a complete stop by the time the red light appears.
According to federal guidelines, yellow lights last between 3 to 6 seconds. Often, the duration of the light is set based on the traffic volume, assumed speed on the road, and the design of the intersection. If you’re traveling at a high rate of speed as you come into an intersection, it is sometimes better to speed up and drive through rather than slam the brakes and come to a stop. While we don’t recommend this course of action on a regular basis, we do suggest taking into account the distance between you and the cars in front and behind you, and whether they’d be impacted by your sudden stop.
If you’re traveling at a high rate of speed and you are close to the intersection when the light turns yellow, there are some instances where it is safer to slightly speed up and drive through rather than slam on the brakes to stop in time for the red light. This can depend on whether there are cars behind you, how far behind they are, and whether they’d be impacted by your sudden squealing stop.
What does a flashing yellow light mean?
If you encounter a flashing yellow light at your intersection, you must proceed cautiously. You don’t have to stop at a flashing yellow light, but you should reduce your speed. This will allow you to ascertain whether you or another driver has the right of way. Your caution gives you the ability to stop safely if someone pulls out in front of you or is trying to turn from another lane.
Approaching the traffic lights
At Driven2Drive Premier Driving School, we advise driving within the speed limit and being aware of the colors of the traffic lights as you approach an intersection. Given your calculation of the length of time that the light has remained green, it’s a good idea to slow down as you near the intersection to be prepared for the appearance of the yellow and red lights.
Stopping at the traffic lights
In their basic form, traffic signals send messages to drivers based on the three lights that they cycle through. When the light is green, that lane has the right of way. When the light is red, they must stop. The yellow light sends a warning to drivers that the light is about to change from green to red so that drivers can safely stop at an intersection. The cycle of colors is consistently green-yellow-red. As at all intersections, be aware of other drivers around you, and any pedestrians or cyclists as you make your stops.
What is a green filter arrow?
A green filter arrow means that traffic should proceed in the direction of the arrow. If your left lane has a green filter arrow, that generally means that while you have a priority to turn, the remaining lanes of traffic will have red lights, allowing you to proceed with your turn safely.
What do you do when traffic lights are out of order?
Though it is rare, there are instances when traffic signals are out of order due to a power outage or other occurrence. When this happens, treat the non-working lights like a stop sign. If a traffic signal is out at a busy intersection, this can cause chaos with cars in four directions trying to cross at the same time. Always use extra caution in this type of setting. Once you’ve come to a complete stop, you can then proceed cautiously through the intersection, taking into account that not all drivers know how to handle this type of situation. If a traffic cop has entered into the fray to make order out of chaos, your priority is to watch and obey the traffic cop’s movements to stop or proceed accordingly.
Key Takeaways:
- Caution Ahead: When you encounter a flashing yellow light, it means proceed with caution. Slow down, be alert, and prepare to yield to any oncoming traffic or pedestrians.
- Check Your Surroundings: Before proceeding through a flashing yellow light, make sure to check your surroundings. Look for any potential hazards or obstacles that may require you to adjust your speed or course.
- Yield When Necessary: If there’s oncoming traffic or pedestrians at an intersection with a flashing yellow light, you must yield the right-of-way to them. Be patient and wait for a safe opportunity to proceed.
- Be Prepared to Stop: While you’re not required to come to a complete stop at a flashing yellow light, be prepared to do so if necessary. If conditions change or if it’s unsafe to proceed, stopping may be the safest option.
- Stay Alert: Always stay focused and attentive when approaching a flashing yellow light. Avoid distractions and keep your eyes on the road to anticipate any potential hazards or changes in traffic flow.
- Use Caution at Intersections: Flashing yellow lights are often used at intersections to indicate caution. Approach these intersections with extra care and be prepared to yield to other vehicles or pedestrians.
- Understand Traffic Light Colors: Familiarize yourself with the meanings of different traffic light colors to navigate intersections safely. Knowing what each color signifies helps you make informed decisions while driving.
Remember, flashing yellow lights are signals to proceed with caution. Stay alert, be prepared to yield, and always prioritize safety when encountering these signals on the road.
Learning to drive with Driven2Drive
Now that you’ve learned a basic overview of the traffic signals and the meanings of the tri-colored lights, we invite you to study additional road rules by taking a driver’s education class with Driven2Drive. We are passionate about providing you with the best technologically advanced driving experience. From our dedicated team of instructors to our innovative state-of-the-art Driving & License Testing Centers, we are committed to instilling safe driving habits for life in a fun and interactive atmosphere. Experience the Driven2Drive difference at any of our conveniently located centers. Contact us today!
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Driven2Drive is a premier driving school and the leader in Driver’s Education. From our dedicated team of instructors to our innovative state-of-the-art Driving & License Testing Centers, we are committed to instilling safe driving habits for life in a fun and interactive atmosphere.
