What should be a driver’s action when approaching a flashing red light?

When approaching a flashing red light, the appropriate action is to prepare to stop and yield. A flashing red light indicates that the driver must come to a complete stop, just like at a stop sign. This allows the driver to assess the situation, check for any other vehicles or pedestrians, and proceed only when it is safe to do so.

Yielding after stopping is crucial for safety, as it ensures that any cross traffic, which may have the right of way, can pass safely before the driver continues. This procedure helps prevent accidents at intersections and maintains an orderly flow of traffic.

Other options suggest actions that do not align with the requirement of a flashing red light. Accelerating to avoid losing time is unsafe and ignores the stop requirement. Decreasing speed and merging, or preparing to turn right, do not fulfill the need to stop and yield at a flashing red light, which is essential for ensuring safe driving practices.