Philadelphia Drivers License Practice Test

What action should be taken when approaching a marked traffic signal ahead?

1. Accelerate to beat the light

2. Slow down and prepare to stop

3. Change lanes immediately

4. Ignore it if the road is clear

The correct answer is: Slow down and prepare to stop

When approaching a marked traffic signal, the appropriate action is to slow down and prepare to stop. Traffic signals are designed to control the flow of vehicles and pedestrians at intersections, and they provide critical information about whether it is safe to proceed. When the signal is yellow or red, it indicates that you should reduce your speed and get ready to halt, ensuring safety for yourself and others. Taking this action allows you to assess the signal's color and react accordingly. If the light is red, you must come to a complete stop. If it is yellow, it serves as a warning that the light will soon turn red, prompting you to slow down rather than accelerate. This practice helps prevent accidents and ensures compliance with traffic laws. Accelerating to beat the light can lead to dangerous situations, including running a red light, while changing lanes suddenly can confuse other drivers and increase the risk of collisions. Ignoring the signal altogether, even if the road appears clear, disregards the rules of the road and can lead to accidents or traffic violations. Therefore, reducing speed and getting ready to stop is the safest and most responsible course of action when approaching a marked traffic signal.