What should you do if you encounter a red traffic signal?

When you encounter a red traffic signal, the correct response is to come to a complete stop and wait for the green light. This action is crucial for maintaining safety on the road. A red light indicates that you must not proceed through the intersection, allowing cross traffic the right of way. Stopping ensures that you do not enter the intersection when it could be dangerous to do so.

Being patient and waiting for the green light helps prevent potential accidents and enables the flow of traffic to remain orderly. It is a fundamental rule of the road that all drivers must adhere to, and understanding this contributes to safer driving practices for everyone.

In contrast, other choices involve actions that could endanger yourself or others: proceeding with caution at a red light can lead to confusion and accidents; speeding up to clear an intersection might seem appealing in a moment of impatience but is extremely risky and can result in collisions; yielding to traffic without having the right of way can lead to chaos on the road as well. Understanding the rules around traffic signals is essential for responsible driving.