What does a yellow traffic light indicate?

A yellow traffic light signals drivers to proceed with caution and prepare to stop. This light typically indicates that the traffic light is about to change to red, which means that vehicles must be ready to halt to ensure safety and avoid running the red light. The yellow light is a warning phase that gives drivers a brief opportunity to either stop if they can do so safely or to continue through the intersection if they are too close to the light to stop comfortably.

This understanding is crucial for maintaining order on the roads and preventing accidents, as ignoring or misinterpreting a yellow light can lead to dangerous situations. Other choices do not accurately represent the purpose of a yellow light, as stopping immediately may not always be safe, speeding up creates a risk of running a red light, and suggesting that turning is acceptable does not convey the caution required in this phase of the traffic signal.