What does a flashing red signal indicate at an intersection?

A flashing red signal at an intersection is designed to convey an immediate and clear message to drivers: you must come to a complete stop, just as you would at a stop sign. This signal alerts drivers to treat the intersection with heightened caution and ensures that they assess the situation thoroughly before proceeding.

When a driver encounters a flashing red signal, it is essential to stop completely and yield to any oncoming traffic or pedestrians. Only after ensuring the roadway is clear can the driver then safely proceed through the intersection. This regulation is crucial for maintaining safety at intersections, particularly those that might have a high volume of traffic or where visibility may be limited.

The other choices do not align with the meaning of the flashing red signal and could lead to misunderstandings about the proper actions at an intersection. For example, yielding to pedestrians may be necessary, but it is not the primary directive issued by a flashing red light. Proceeding with caution does not convey the necessity of a complete stop, and speeding up to clear the intersection is dangerous and contrary to traffic laws. Understanding the significance of a flashing red signal is vital for safe driving practices.