What does a red traffic light mean?

A red traffic light indicates that drivers must stop their vehicles completely and not proceed until the light changes to green. This signal is crucial for maintaining safety at intersections, as it helps to manage the flow of traffic and prevents collisions between vehicles moving in different directions. Observing this rule is essential for ensuring both driver and pedestrian safety.

In contrast, the other options suggest actions that do not align with traffic laws. Proceeding with caution under a red light could lead to accidents by misinterpreting the signal. A warning to slow down is more characteristic of a yellow light, which alerts drivers to prepare to stop for an impending red light. Yielding to pedestrians is an important action but typically applies when a driver has a green light rather than during a red light, where a full stop is required. Understanding the meaning of traffic lights is fundamental for safe driving practices.