What action should a driver take if they encounter a flashing red light?

When a driver encounters a flashing red light, the appropriate action is to come to a complete stop. This is akin to a stop sign, indicating that the driver must halt their vehicle before proceeding. The flashing red light warns that there may be cross traffic or a significant hazard, and stopping allows the driver to assess the situation safely. After stopping, the driver is required to yield to any other vehicles or pedestrians that may have the right of way before continuing.

While slowing down and proceeding with caution might seem reasonable in some situations, it does not fulfill the legal requirement to stop at a flashing red light. Continuing through without stopping ignores the warning that potential hazards are present, and yielding to pedestrians only doesn't address the broader safety requirement of stopping for all traffic situations at the light. Therefore, the requirement to stop is clear and critical for ensuring road safety.