If the traffic lights turn amber as you approach a junction, what is the correct action?

When the traffic lights turn amber as you approach a junction, the correct action is to stop if it is safe to do so. The amber light indicates that the red light will soon follow, signaling drivers to prepare to stop. It is crucial to assess your surroundings and ensure that stopping is safe; this includes considering the distance to the junction and the behavior of other road users.

Stopping when the light turns amber is important for traffic safety and maintaining the flow at intersections. If a driver speeds up to cross before a red light, it can lead to dangerous situations, such as collisions with vehicles that may be crossing from other directions or with pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Proceeding without stopping when the light turns amber disregards the warning that red is imminent and could cause traffic violations or accidents. Making a U-turn upon seeing an amber light is also not appropriate; it could create confusion and increase the risk of accidents, as it does not follow the established traffic rules for managing signals at junctions.

Thus, stopping if it is safe allows all users of the road to be aware of the upcoming light change, fostering a safer driving environment.