What is the purpose of a flashing yellow light?

The purpose of a flashing yellow light is to indicate that drivers should proceed with caution. This type of signal is typically found at intersections or in areas where there may be unexpected hazards. The flashing yellow light serves as a warning to alert drivers to pay close attention and be prepared to react accordingly, either by slowing down or yielding to other vehicles or pedestrians. It allows for the possibility of continuing through the intersection, unlike a solid yellow light, which indicates that a driver should prepare to stop if safe to do so.

The other choices, while relevant to traffic control, do not accurately describe the function of a flashing yellow light. A complete stop is required at a red light, not a flashing yellow, while speeding up would generally be counterproductive and unsafe in response to a flashing caution signal. A pedestrian signal would not be indicated by a flashing yellow light but rather by different colored signals specific to pedestrian traffic.