YOU MAY CONTINUE CAREFULLY THROUGH A YELLOW LIGHT IF:
A. There is an emergency vehicle crossing your lane
B. There are no pedestrians crossing
C. You are turning right
D. You are within the intersection
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answer: D. You are within the intersection
Explanation:
When approaching a traffic light that turns yellow, it’s crucial to understand the legal and safe actions a driver may take. A yellow light serves as a warning that the traffic signal is about to turn red. Its primary purpose is to give drivers time to stop safely if they are approaching the intersection.
However, if a driver is already within the intersection when the light turns yellow, the correct action is to continue through the intersection carefully. This is why Option D is correct. It is not safe or legal to stop suddenly in the middle of an intersection, as doing so could cause a rear-end collision or disrupt the flow of traffic. Traffic laws generally support the idea that drivers who have entered the intersection legally during a green light may clear the intersection even if the light turns yellow or red during the maneuver.
Now let’s break down why the other options are incorrect:
- A. There is an emergency vehicle crossing your lane – This is actually a situation where you must yield and possibly stop regardless of the light color. Emergency vehicles always have the right-of-way, and continuing through a yellow light while one is approaching could be dangerous or illegal.
- B. There are no pedestrians crossing – While pedestrians not being present might make it safer to proceed, this alone does not justify going through a yellow light unless you’re already in the intersection. The presence or absence of pedestrians does not determine legal right-of-way in this context.
- C. You are turning right – Turning right on a yellow light is allowed only if it can be done safely and legally (e.g., after a full stop where required), but this situation is not the defining condition for proceeding through a yellow light.
Summary:
You may proceed carefully through a yellow light only if you are already in the intersection when it turns yellow. This ensures safety and prevents unnecessary stopping that could confuse or endanger other drivers.