What should a driver do when encountering a steady yellow light?

When encountering a steady yellow light, the appropriate action for a driver is to slow down and prepare to stop. A steady yellow light serves as a warning that the signal is about to change to red, indicating that vehicles should not enter the intersection. The intention behind this light is to alert drivers to the need for caution and to give them time to safely prepare to either stop or proceed if they are too close to the intersection to halt safely.

This response reinforces safe driving practices by encouraging drivers to remain vigilant and attentive to changing traffic signals. In contrast, speeding up to clear the intersection could lead to dangerous situations, especially if the light turns red before the driver can exit. Additionally, coming to a complete stop before proceeding at a yellow light can be confusing; while it's essential to yield to the upcoming red light, stopping abruptly may pose risks for the driver and others, particularly if there's heavy traffic. Ignoring the signal undermines the rules of the road and puts not only the ignoring driver but also other road users at significant risk. Therefore, slowing down and preparing to stop is the sound and safe decision in this scenario.