What does a yellow traffic light mean?

A yellow traffic light indicates that the signal is about to change to red, which serves as a warning to drivers that they should clear the intersection if they are already in it or prepare to stop if they are approaching. The purpose of the yellow light is to give drivers the opportunity to make a safe decision – either to stop or to continue through the intersection based on their distance from the light and their current speed.

Clearing the intersection is crucial for safety, as it prevents collisions that might occur if drivers proceed through a red light. The yellow light helps maintain the flow of traffic while ensuring that vehicles don't remain in an intersection once the signal turns red.