Traffic lights are used to ensure our safety while crossing intersections and controlling ongoing traffic. We have all known since childhood what the different colors in the traffic signals mean. However, coming across flashing traffic lights can cause drivers, especially the newbies, to be concerned.
If the question has popped up in your mind about ‘What should you do when you see a flashing yellow traffic signal at the next intersection?’ then you have found the right article. We will learn what flashing traffic lights mean, what to do when there are flashing yellow traffic lights, and what happens if you don’t obey the signals.
Purpose Of Traffic Lights
Traffic lights were invented back in 1868 to handle the increasing number of automobiles on the roads. The traffic lights still serve a purpose to date: to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians and to control traffic without having traffic cops stand and guide traffic all day.
The three colors of the traffic lights—Red, Yellow, and Green—each serve a purpose in maintaining the traffic flow and avoiding collisions.
- Red: Red light means to stop completely at the intersection and to not proceed until the light turns green. When your lane’s signal is red, it means it’s green for another lane and they are crossing. To avoid accidents and collisions, remain stationary until the signal turns green.
- Green: Green light means to go. You are freely allowed to go, and all the other lanes would have a red light, so no one is supposed to be crossing from the other three lanes.
- Yellow: If the signal light changes from green to yellow as you enter the intersection, you should slow down and prepare to stop as the light is about to turn red soon. However, if you notice the light turns yellow from red, it means you can prepare to proceed as it will turn green in a couple of seconds.
What Does A Flashing Yellow Light Mean At An Intersection?
We all come across steady traffic lights while driving throughout our day and know what to do, but some drivers can become anxious and concerned when they see flashing traffic lights and don’t know what to do exactly.
While a steady yellow light means that you should slow down as the signal will turn red soon or stop if it is possible, a flashing yellow light can have a different meaning.
A flashing yellow light means that you should slow down and drive off safely at the intersection, as there may be other vehicles crossing too. Usually, flashing yellow lights indicate that the traffic signals are not working properly due to a power outage or any other reason, and drivers should slow down before they continue to proceed.
The Importance Of Yellow Lights
Often users seem to ignore yellow lights and don’t consider them as important as a red or green light. Some drivers even speed up when they come across a yellow light in order to cross the intersection before the light goes red.
This is completely wrong and could have some serious outcomes. It is crucial to follow all traffic rules and signals to ensure the safety of yourself and others around you.
The purpose of yellow lights or flashing yellow lights is to enhance the driver’s awareness and remind them to approach the intersection carefully.
At times it may be difficult for the driver to slam the brakes as they are already at a high speed if the light turns red. Coming to sudden stops can also be dangerous and unsafe, as the driver may not know you’re about to stop and collide with you.
This is why the yellow light serves a purpose to alert the driver that the next light is about to turn red and give time to the driver to slow down and stop if possible.
What Happens If Someone Doesn’t Obey The Yellow Light?
As we’ve discussed, when there is a flashing yellow signal light, it means a driver should slow down and proceed with caution as the traffic signals are either out of order or there is a low traffic volume.
When a driver fails to do so, they can cause serious harm to others and themselves. Not paying attention while crossing an intersection can result in fatal accidents.
Other than that, some states, such as Texas, can give you a ticket for jumping a yellow light and being a potential threat to other oncoming traffic. The fine can start at $50 and go up depending on the state.
If you happen to cross an intersection when there is a flashing yellow light or a steady yellow light and get into an accident, you will still be held responsible for paying a fine. Along with this, your vehicle may also be impounded due to violating rules, and you will have to pay impound fees per day until you have it released.
How to Cross an Intersection With Flashing Yellow Lights?
Whenever you come across flashing yellow lights, there are a few pointers to keep in mind to cross the intersection safely. Following the tips mentioned down below can avoid fatal accidents and serious injuries.
Whenever you are coming to an intersection with a flashing yellow light. You should:
- Slow down: Whether there is a steady yellow light or a flashing yellow light, you should always slow down and proceed with caution.
- Check surroundings: Before you proceed to cross the intersection, always check your surroundings for any oncoming traffic or pedestrians. Also, check for any obstacles that may come in your way.
- Give right of way: If you notice there are other vehicles or pedestrians crossing the intersection, always give them the right of way first. Wait patiently for them to cross and then proceed.
- Prepare to stop: When you come across an intersection with a flashing yellow light, you should always slow down and be prepared to stop due to any emergency that may occur.
- Stay alert: Always be free of distractions whenever you approach an intersection with flashing traffic lights. Be attentive and alert, as you never know when you may need to hit the brakes.
Frequently Asked Questions About A Flashing Yellow Signal Light Means A Driver Should
Q1. What is the difference between flashing yellow and flashing red lights?
The difference between the two colors is that a flashing yellow light means you should slow down when you come across an intersection, as there can be possible oncoming traffic or pedestrians.
A flashing red light means you should always come to a stop at an intersection. Check for any other vehicles coming and then proceed. While a flashing yellow light doesn’t always require you to come to a complete stop, rather reducing your speed.
Q2. Can you go when the light is flashing yellow?
The simple answer is, yes, you can go when the light is flashing yellow. The only thing you need to keep in mind is to slow down before you go and check for any other oncoming traffic.
Usually, you wouldn’t need to stop at an intersection with a flashing yellow traffic light, but it is always good to take caution and be prepared to stop.
Q3. What is the purpose of the yellow light in traffic signals?
The main purpose of a yellow light in traffic signals is to inform the driver the signal is about to turn red or green soon. If you are coming at high speed from afar and notice the light has turned yellow from green, always try to reduce your speed and try stopping before reaching the intersection.
If you notice you may not have time to stop, then proceed carefully. Otherwise, always try to reduce your speed and try stopping before reaching the intersection.
Q4. What does it mean when there is a flashing yellow left arrow traffic light?
A flashing yellow left arrow traffic light means the driver is not necessarily required to stop and has the right of way to make a left turn. However, one should always check their surroundings at an intersection with flashing yellow lights before proceeding and after yielding to any pedestrian or other vehicle.
Q5. What is the difference between a solid yellow light and a flashing yellow light?
The difference between these two, is that when there is a solid yellow light, it means the traffic signal will turn red or green soon. You should be prepared to slow down if it’s changing from green to yellow and prepare to go if it’s changing from red to yellow.
A flashing yellow light can mean there isn’t much traffic or the lights are malfunctioning. In this case, you should always slow down and check before you continue to proceed further.
Conclusion
Coming to the end of this article, we have discussed what a flashing yellow light means and answered your question about ‘What should you do when you see a flashing yellow traffic signal at the next intersection?’.
Whenever you come across a flashing yellow traffic light, make sure you always slow down before you cross the intersection. This will help in maintaining your own safety and the safety of others around you. Happy driving!
