What does an amber traffic light indicate?

An amber traffic light indicates that drivers should prepare to stop, as the light is about to turn red. This signal serves as a warning, alerting drivers that the signal is changing and they need to make a decision quickly. It is essential for maintaining safety at intersections, as it allows vehicles that are too close to the intersection to clear it safely while also providing ample notice for those who are further away to stop safely.

In this context, proceeding through the intersection may seem tempting, but it's important to realize that amber lights are not an invitation to continue without caution; instead, they are a prompt to evaluate the need to stop. Speeding up puts both drivers and pedestrians at risk, as it may lead to accidents if the light turns red while a vehicle is still in the intersection. Thus, the amber light plays a critical role in regulating traffic flow and ensuring that all road users can navigate safely.