What does a flashing red light signify?

A flashing red light signifies that drivers must treat it as a stop sign, meaning they must come to a complete stop at the intersection or location where the light is displayed. This rule requires the driver to pause momentarily, look for any oncoming traffic or pedestrians, and ensure it is safe to proceed before moving forward. The purpose of the flashing red light is to alert drivers to potential hazards or to give way to other road users, making it crucial for safety.

Other options may suggest different actions that could compromise safety. For instance, suggesting to slow down and yield might lead to confusion about the need to stop completely, while indicating that it is acceptable to drive straight through would ignore the necessary precaution of stopping first. Stopping only if other vehicles are present also misinterprets the intent of the flashing red light, which mandates a complete stop regardless of surrounding traffic.