When approaching an intersection that is controlled by a flashing red traffic signal, you must:
- Come to a complete stop, yield to oncoming traffic or pedestrians, then proceed. ✓
- Reduce your speed and proceed with caution.
- Come to a complete stop and remain stopped as long as the light is red.
Answer: A. Come to a complete stop, yield to oncoming traffic or pedestrians, then proceed.
You must come to a complete stop, yield to oncoming traffic or pedestrians, and then proceed when it is safe.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says a flashing red signal means STOP, and after stopping you may go when it is safe. That is why the correct choice starts with a complete stop and then has you yield before moving. The handbook also says pedestrians have the right-of-way and that you should look for vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians before entering an intersection, so checking and yielding fit with the safe-to-go step. A flashing red does not keep you waiting after you have stopped.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Reduce your speed and proceed with caution. — Reducing speed and proceeding with caution describes the response to a flashing yellow light, not a flashing red, which requires a stop.
- C. Come to a complete stop and remain stopped as long as the light is red. — This treats a flashing red like a solid red that keeps you waiting; the handbook says after stopping at a flashing red you may go when it is safe.
Remember it
Flashing red means stop first, then go only when safe—not wait for green.