What does a flashing red light indicate?

A flashing red light at an intersection serves as a signal that means drivers must come to a complete stop. This signal is equivalent to a stop sign. After stopping, drivers are required to proceed only when it is safe to do so, which involves checking for oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and any other potential hazards. This rule is essential for maintaining safety at intersections, as it ensures that all vehicles are aware of their surroundings before moving forward.

The other options are not appropriate actions in response to a flashing red light; proceeding without stopping could lead to collisions, yielding to other drivers without first ensuring it is safe could result in accidents, and speeding up to clear the intersection disregards the fundamental requirement to stop and check for safety. Thus, the correct understanding of a flashing red light is crucial for safe driving practices.