What should you do if you encounter a flashing red light?

When you encounter a flashing red light, the correct action is to come to a complete stop and proceed when it is safe to do so. This is similar to a stop sign, where you must stop completely and assess the situation. The purpose of a flashing red light is to indicate that you should be cautious and ensure that the intersection is clear before proceeding.

This requirement promotes safety by ensuring that all drivers are fully aware of their surroundings and any potential hazards, such as cross traffic or pedestrians. After stopping, you should only continue when it is safe, thus reducing the risk of accidents at the intersection.

Other choices suggest actions that do not align with safe driving practices. For instance, slowing down and continuing through the intersection can lead to misjudgment of traffic dynamics, especially if other vehicles are approaching unexpectedly. Ignoring the light due to a perceived absence of traffic undermines the structured traffic control systems designed to keep everyone safe. Lastly, speeding up to clear the intersection is dangerous, as it increases the likelihood of a collision if another vehicle is approaching from the side or if a pedestrian is crossing.