What does a flashing red light at an intersection mean?

A flashing red light at an intersection indicates that drivers must come to a complete stop. It serves the same purpose as a stop sign, meaning that after stopping, drivers should only proceed when it's safe to do so. This rule is particularly important for ensuring the safety of all road users, including pedestrians and other vehicles. Drivers are required to assess the situation, look for any oncoming traffic or obstacles, and only continue if it is safe.

The other choices reflect incorrect interpretations of the flashing signal and its implications for road safety. For instance, slowing down and proceeding with caution does not ensure that a complete stop is made, which is critical at a flashing red light. Yielding to pedestrians is an important aspect of driving, but it does not capture the comprehensive requirement of stopping first. Ignoring the signal entirely would lead to dangerous situations, as it disregards the critical stop instruction and could result in accidents. Understanding the meaning behind traffic signals like a flashing red light is essential for maintaining safe driving practices at intersections.