How should you react to a flashing red light at an intersection?

When approaching a flashing red light at an intersection, the correct response is to come to a complete stop and proceed only when it is safe to do so, while adhering to the established right-of-way rules. This action is fundamentally similar to responding to a stop sign, where the primary obligation is to halt your vehicle and ensure that the intersection is clear of other traffic before moving again.

Stopping at the flashing red light protects not only your safety but also the safety of other drivers and pedestrians by minimizing the risk of an accident due to misjudgment about who has the right of way. It ensures that all vehicles and pedestrians can navigate the intersection safely.

Other choices convey misunderstandings of traffic laws. Continuing through the intersection without stopping does not prioritize safety and could lead to collisions. Ignoring the light when no other vehicles are present indicates a disregard for traffic signals and can create dangerous situations if another driver approaches unaware of your actions. Finally, stopping only for pedestrians fails to recognize the requirement to stop for the light itself, which is crucial regardless of pedestrian presence.