What does a flashing red traffic light indicate?

A flashing red traffic light indicates that drivers must come to a complete stop and yield to any oncoming traffic or pedestrians. This signal is similar to a stop sign, meaning that once a vehicle stops, the driver should look for a safe opportunity to proceed. The flashing red light serves as a warning that the driver needs to take extra care, as there may be a hazard or intersection where other road users could be present.

The requirement to come to a complete stop ensures that vehicles can safely assess the situation before moving on, thus promoting safety on the road. In contrast, signals like slowing down or continuing at a reduced speed fail to provide the same level of caution and may lead to confusion or accidents at an intersection.