Washington Written Drivers Permit Practice Test

When a driver approaches a traffic light that is yellow, the appropriate action is to prepare to stop safely if possible. A yellow light indicates that the signal is about to change to red, meaning that drivers should be prepared to stop their vehicles. This is a critical decision point since it allows the driver to assess whether they can stop safely before entering the intersection or if they are too close to the light to stop safely without potentially causing a rear-end collision.

The intent of the yellow light is to provide a warning that the signal is about to change, helping to enhance safety at intersections. By preparing to stop, the driver is also being considerate of other road users, including pedestrians and vehicles that may already be in the intersection or about to enter it. It's an essential defensive driving technique to expect that others may react differently, ensuring that the driver maintains control of their vehicle at all times.

In contrast, speeding up or ignoring the yellow light can lead to dangerous situations, such as running a red light which increases the risk of accidents. Continuing without changing speed may not allow enough time to react appropriately to the changing signal, thus failing to follow safe driving practices.