What is the standard response when you approach a red traffic light?

When approaching a red traffic light, the appropriate response is to come to a complete stop. This is a fundamental rule of traffic laws that is designed to ensure safety at intersections. Red lights indicate to drivers that they must stop and wait until the light turns green before proceeding. This practice helps prevent accidents and allows for the orderly flow of traffic, especially at intersections where vehicles and pedestrians may be moving in different directions.

Stopping at a red light also allows the right-of-way to be respected, particularly for cross traffic that may have a green light and for pedestrians who may be crossing the road. The requirement to stop is universally applicable and is crucial for maintaining order on the road, thus reducing the likelihood of collisions.

If one were to speed up to clear the intersection, yield only to oncoming traffic, or continue through if no one is around, they would be ignoring critical traffic signals, potentially leading to dangerous situations. This underscores the importance of adhering to traffic signals for the safety of all road users.