USAREUR Practice Exam

What action should a driver take when encountering a yellow light flashing at an intersection?

1. Proceed with caution without stopping.

2. Stop immediately and wait for a green light.

3. Approach cautiously and yield the right-of-way if necessary.

4. Turn around and find an alternate route.

The correct answer is: Approach cautiously and yield the right-of-way if necessary.

When a driver encounters a yellow light flashing at an intersection, the appropriate action is to approach cautiously and yield the right-of-way if necessary. This signal indicates that there may be a potentially dangerous intersection ahead where traffic may not be fully controlled. The purpose of a flashing yellow light is to alert drivers to slow down, be vigilant, and prepare to yield to any oncoming traffic or pedestrians, as conditions might change quickly. It's a warning that the driver should be ready to make a stop if required, but it does not mandate a full stop as with a red light. Being cautious and yielding the right-of-way aligns with safe driving practices, ensuring that drivers assess their surroundings before proceeding through the intersection. This helps prevent accidents by promoting careful observation of other vehicles, pedestrians, and any potential hazards that may arise.