What to Do When Approaching a Green Traffic Light

When you're merging into the hustle and bustle of California traffic, understanding how to navigate intersections—especially when your traffic signal is green—makes all the difference. Let’s break it down.

You approach an intersection, and boom! The light is green. What do you do? A brain teaser, right? The clear answer—maybe just the kind of answer that's crucial to your California DMV written test—is to proceed through the intersection (that’s option D). But why? Let’s unpack that.

Understanding Green Lights: Your Signal to Go

A green traffic signal means you have the right of way. It’s essentially the universe saying, "Hey, you’re good to go!" So, stepping on that gas pedal and moving through the intersection is not just acceptable; it’s your responsibility. But here's the kicker: just because it’s green doesn’t mean you should charge through like a race car driver.

Think of the green light as an invitation, not a command. It's about being aware and considerate. If you see the light is green, but there are cars already in the intersection or people attempting to cross, you'll want to adjust accordingly. Wait a sec, isn't that yielding? Well, yes! But yielding typically applies if your light turns yellow or red.

What About the Alternatives? Let's Compare

Let’s look at the other options for a moment:

• A. Come to a complete stop: Now, that would baffle other drivers. They’d likely be thinking, “What’s going on?” Stopping at a green light can lead to rear-end collisions—definitely not what anyone wants.

• B. Increase your speed: Speeding up at a green light may seem tempting, especially if you’re in a rush. But it can also be a recipe for disaster! What if someone suddenly cuts in front of you? Not cool.

• C. Yield to vehicles already in the intersection: This generally applies if there’s a yellow light or if you're planning to make a turn. In other situations, holding up traffic for no reason just doesn’t fly.

So, if you’ve got that green light, the best course of action is to proceed through the intersection smoothly while keeping an eye on your surroundings. After all, we always want to drive safe and smart, right?

Why This Matters: Being a Safe Driver

Understanding this simple yet vital concept—what to do at a green light—can significantly impact your safety and the safety of others on the road. Imagine your test day; it's not just about passing. It's about becoming the kind of driver who anticipates—the one who makes everyone feel a tad bit safer on California’s busy roads.

Plus, knowing how to approach these signals correctly boosts your confidence when you're behind the wheel. You’re not just learning to pass a test; you’re mastering a skill that will keep you safe for years to come!

Final Thoughts: Get Ready to Roll!

As you gear up for your California DMV written test, keep this knowledge about green traffic lights at your fingertips. You don’t want those questions to trip you up—especially when they’re so straightforward once you grasp them!

So next time, remember: if that traffic signal is green, take a deep breath, glance around, and confidently drive through. You’ve got this!