What is the purpose of a yellow traffic light?

The purpose of a yellow traffic light is to warn that the light is about to change to red. This signal serves as an alert for drivers to prepare to stop, as running a red light can lead to dangerous situations. When approaching an intersection with a yellow light, drivers should understand that they need to make a decision: they can either slow down and stop safely before the intersection or, if they are too close to stop safely, they may continue through the intersection with caution.

Understanding the yellow light's role is crucial for promoting safety on the roads, as it warns drivers of the upcoming change in the traffic signal’s status. In contrast, a pedestrian crossing signal pertains to pedestrian movement and is not directly associated with vehicular traffic lights. A signal indicating that a stop is required would typically be a red light, while a green light indicates that it's safe to proceed. While "allowing drivers to proceed with caution" is somewhat related, it does not fully encompass the primary function of a yellow light, which is specifically to indicate that a change is imminent.