Driving school Autoescuela San Francisco has shared guidance in a social media video explaining how drivers should respond when a traffic light turns amber.
The video was filmed from inside a vehicle while a student drove and an instructor sat in the passenger seat. During the recording, the instructor explained the correct way to react when an amber light signal appears on the road.
According to the instructor, the general rule requires drivers to treat an amber light as if it were a red light. He stated that motorists must always stop or attempt to stop whenever an amber signal lights up.
When to stop at amber lights
The instructor emphasized that the obligation to stop applies only when it is possible to do so safely. He warned that late braking can cause traffic hazards, such as leaving a vehicle stopped in the middle of a pedestrian crossing.
Abrupt braking can also create risks when a vehicle travels at the speed limit of 50 km/h. The instructor explained that braking suddenly at that speed may cause a trailing vehicle to hit the car from behind, making it safer to continue through the intersection instead.
Traffic light cycles and safety risks
As drivers gain experience, they learn that traffic light signals change progressively. The instructor noted that coordinated light cycles give motorists time to slow down gradually across intersections.
However, the instructor warned against the dangerous habit of speeding up at the first amber light to pass through subsequent amber lights. He said accelerating to cross entire avenues on amber lights is incorrect and puts road safety at risk.
