Tips

When approaching a blinking yellow traffic light, you are expected to slow down and proceed with caution. This signal serves to alert drivers to potential hazards or the need for increased vigilance, especially at intersections where traffic conditions are light, such as late at night or in less busy areas. Ignoring this signal and failing to reduce speed can lead to dangerous situations, increasing the risk of collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.

Blinking yellow lights are traffic signals designed for special cases. It was meant to protect the road users’ safety more efficiently while maintaining caution, but without the delays of a full stop. When a driver sees flashing or blinking yellow light, he or she is required to yield to pedestrians and ensure the way is clear before proceeding. Disregarding this regulation not only endangers lives but can also result in fines and penalties as enforced by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), emphasizing the importance of adhering to all traffic signals on the road. Here’s what you need to know about handling this traffic signal effectively.

Blinking Yellow vs. Steady Yellow: What Does These Traffic Lights Mean?

A blinking yellow traffic light is essentially a warning. It tells drivers to slow down and proceed with caution. Unlike a steady yellow light, a flashing yellow light does not require you to stop. It is often used in areas where traffic is light, such as late at night, or at specific locations like train crossings and highway merging lanes. This signal advises drivers to slow down and be especially alert in approaching the intersection or area.

In contrast, a steady yellow traffic light warns that the light is about to turn red, requiring drivers to stop if they can do so safely. This signal is typically found at regular intersections and indicates an impending change in the right-of-way. Understanding the difference between blinking and steady yellow lights helps drivers respond appropriately to varying traffic conditions and maintain road safety.

How Should You Respond to a Blinking Yellow Light?

Here are the things you can do when you see a blinking yellow light while driving:

1. Slow Down

Upon approaching a blinking yellow light, the first thing you should do is reduce your speed. This is crucial because it gives you more time to react to any unforeseen circumstances at the intersection or crossing.

2. Observe and Proceed with Caution

After slowing down, carefully observe your surroundings. Look out for other vehicles that might not be following the signal properly, and check for pedestrians. This is particularly important in intersections where crossing traffic may occur. Never assume that the intersection is clear just because you don’t immediately see other vehicles.

3. Yield to Pedestrians

Always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. Pedestrians may be crossing the road, and it’s your responsibility to ensure their safety by allowing them to cross before you proceed.

4. Be Aware of Other Vehicles

Even though you have the right-of-way, not all drivers might respect or be aware of this. Watch out for vehicles coming from other directions that might not stop or slow down, and be prepared to react accordingly.

When is a Flashing Yellow Light Typically Used?

The flashing yellow light mode is commonly used as follows: 

• During periods of low traffic to facilitate smoother travel
• When traffic lights are out of order, signaling drivers to approach with caution

Other Uses of Flashing Yellow Lights

Apart from intersections, flashing yellow lights are also used in several key areas:

• Train Crossings: Warns drivers to proceed with caution near train tracks.
• Highway Merging Lanes: Advises caution when merging.
• Three-Way Intersections: Ensures careful navigation in less common intersection types.
• Quiet Intersections in Provinces: Often found in low-traffic rural areas.

Why Not Use the Normal Traffic Light Mode?

Flashing yellow lights are often used during times of low traffic, such as late at night. Using the standard stop-and-go traffic light pattern in such situations can be inefficient, causing unnecessary delays. Therefore, the flashing yellow mode is activated to allow smoother traffic flow while still maintaining safety.

Video: Turning Left on Flashing Yellow Lights

If you want to turn left but there is a flashing yellow light ahead at the intersection, here’s what you should do, according to Kendrick’s Driving Tests:

Summary

Understanding how to approach a blinking yellow light is necessary for all drivers, at least if they do not want to end up getting involved in accidents or fights on the road. Always remember to slow down, proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians, and be aware of other vehicles when the flashing yellow light reminds you so. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safer driving experience for yourself and others on the road.

When another vehicle is trying to overtake, the driver being overtaken should give way by moving to the side and maintaining a steady speed. It is important not to accelerate, allowing the overtaking vehicle to pass safely and quickly. This behavior ensures smooth traffic flow and reduces the risk of accidents.

The importance of this action is emphasized by the Republic Act No. 4136, otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, which mandates that drivers must give way to overtaking vehicles after receiving an audible signal. The law also details the complete rules for overtaking and knowing and following the provisions of this law is a bare minimum expected from drivers in an effort to promote road safety, prevent accidents, and foster defensive driving practices.

Understanding the Rules of Overtaking

Republic Act No. 4136, Article II Sections 39 to 41, provides clear guidelines on overtaking. Here’s what you need to know:

• Audible Signal: The driver of the overtaking motor vehicle must give a suitable and audible signal. This could be a horn or other signaling device to alert the driver ahead of their intention to overtake.
• Giving Way: Once the overtaking vehicle has signaled, the driver being overtaken must give way. This means moving to the side to allow the other vehicle to pass safely.
• Maintaining Speed: While being overtaken, the driver should not increase their speed. It’s crucial to maintain or reduce speed until the overtaking vehicle has completely passed.

Things to Remember When Being Overtaken

Here are the steps a driver should take when another vehicle is trying to overtake:

1. Stay Calm and Aware

Always be aware of your surroundings. If you hear a horn or see a signal from a vehicle behind, prepare to let it pass.

2. Move to the Side

Gently steer your vehicle to the side of your lane or the road, if safe, to provide space for the overtaking vehicle.

3. Maintain a Steady Speed

Do not speed up when being overtaken. Maintain your current speed or slow down slightly to allow the other driver to pass quickly and safely.

4. Check Mirrors

Use your mirrors to keep an eye on the overtaking vehicle and ensure it has safely passed before you resume your normal driving position.

Why These Rules Matter

Following these overtaking rules helps in preventing accidents and promotes smooth traffic flow. When drivers cooperate and communicate effectively, roads become safer for everyone. Ignoring these rules can lead to dangerous situations such as collisions or road rage incidents, especially in places where the traffic doesn’t move as freely as in other places. 

Common Overtaking Scenarios

• Highways and Open Roads: On highways, overtaking is common due to higher speed limits. Always be extra cautious and follow the rules strictly in these areas.
• Urban Roads: In cities, overtaking can be trickier due to heavier traffic and more pedestrians. Ensure it’s safe before giving way.

Video: Rules on Turning, Overtaking, and the Right of Way

For a complete and detailed rundown of the LTO rules on turning, overtaking, and the right of way for vehicles on the road, watch this explainer video from Drive Safe PH:

Summary

There are overtaking rules in place for a reason. So, the next time you hear an audible signal from an overtaking vehicle, remember to give way, maintain a steady speed, and use your mirrors to ensure the maneuver is completed safely. By following these steps, you do your part in contributing to safer roads and a smoother driving experience for everyone.