When you encounter a flashing yellow light, it could be due to a myriad of reasons, such as a tricky turn up ahead or an intersection where cross traffic doesn't have the best visibility. Interestingly, studies have shown that people make left turns safer when the yellow arrow is flashing, as opposed to solid green, then solid yellow, followed by solid red. Speaking of solid yellow in either arrow or circle form — that's a different scenario. Additionally, be a good motorist and don't treat a solid yellow as an excuse to floor the throttle and rip through the intersection with reckless abandon. The main thing to do when encountering a flashing or solid yellow traffic light is to exercise extra caution; reduce your speed, keep an eye out, yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic, and get home safely.