What is the appropriate action when the traffic signal turns amber?

When the traffic signal turns amber, the appropriate action is to prepare to stop if it is safe to do so. This signal indicates that the light will soon change to red, prompting drivers to take caution. The amber light is a warning that you should not proceed through the intersection unless it is unsafe to stop, which helps in preventing accidents.

Being prepared to stop shows that drivers are mindful of their surroundings and the rules of the road, helping to maintain safety for all road users, including pedestrians who might be waiting to cross. It's essential to assess the situation quickly; if stopping could lead to a collision, continuing through the intersection might be the only option, but ideally, a driver should be ready to halt.

In contrast, speeding up to pass through the amber light can lead to dangerous situations, especially if the light turns red before the vehicle clears the intersection. Ignoring the amber signal entirely poses significant risks for not just the driver but also for other road users. Yielding to pedestrians is an important consideration, but it’s generally part of the broader action of stopping at a red light or when traffic conditions require yielding, rather than a specific response to an amber light.