What does a flashing yellow light signify?

A flashing yellow light indicates that drivers should slow down and proceed with caution. This traffic signal serves as a warning, alerting drivers to potential hazards ahead or to areas where they need to be particularly vigilant, such as pedestrian crossings, school zones, or sharp curves. It is crucial that drivers do not simply ignore the warning; instead, they should reduce their speed and remain alert to any changes in the driving environment, allowing for a safer approach to uncertain conditions.

Other choices suggest actions that either require complete stops or altering speed inappropriately. For example, stopping completely when a flashing yellow is present would be unnecessary and could lead to rear-end collisions. Speeding up is also dangerous as it ignores the caution intended by the flashing light. Preparing to stop can be misleading, as the situation may not require a stop if the way is clear. Hence, the correct interpretation of a flashing yellow light is to slow down and approach with caution.