Delaware Driver Education State Practice Test

What is a common misconception about yellow traffic signals?

1. They mean you can speed up

2. They indicate that you should drive faster

3. They mean to stop at once

4. They give you more time to go through the intersection

The correct answer is: They mean to stop at once

The belief that yellow traffic signals mean to stop immediately is a common misconception. In reality, a yellow light serves as a warning that the signal is about to change to red. This signal alerts drivers to prepare to stop, but it does not require an immediate stop in all cases. The key point is that if a driver is already too close to the intersection when the light turns yellow, they may safely proceed through rather than risk an abrupt stop that could lead to an accident. While it's critical for drivers to be aware of their surroundings and the distance they are from the stop line when the light changes, the primary purpose of the yellow signal is to convey caution and the need to be prepared for a change in traffic control. Understanding this nuance helps to promote safe driving practices, including knowing whether it is safer to stop or proceed when the light turns yellow, depending on the circumstances.