When approaching an intersection, what should you be prepared to do?

When approaching an intersection, the primary responsibility of a driver is to ensure safety and obey traffic rules. Being prepared to stop when the light is red or when a stop sign is present is fundamental to preventing accidents and maintaining order on the road. This rule is in place to protect drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

When the light is red, it indicates that you must come to a complete stop and wait until it turns green before proceeding. Similarly, stop signs require drivers to stop completely at the designated line or crosswalk to assess oncoming traffic and ensure it is safe to continue. Adhering to these rules is crucial for responsible driving and helps reduce the likelihood of collisions at intersections.

The expectation to stop is consistent with traffic laws designed to regulate the flow of vehicles safely and effectively. Other incorrect actions could result in dangerous situations, such as speeding through a green light without caution or ignoring stop signs, which could lead to accidents with other vehicles or pedestrians.