You are approaching traffic lights that have been on green for some time. You should ______.

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If you're running late for work, stuck in traffic, or unable to cross the street, traffic lights can be a pain. They're intended to ensure safety by controlling traffic, and they function much more effectively when everyone abides by the rules. Learn the basics of what to do while approaching a traffic light on foot or in a car, such as stopping completely on red lights and only crossing the street in a crosswalk, to save yourself the suffering of an accident. Here are the rules:

1. Stop completely on red lights. Brake slowly and steadily. Stop far enough behind the vehicle in front of you so that you can see its rear tires. Avoid attempting to run red lights; it's against the law and could result in collisions and traffic tickets. There are red light cameras at plenty of junctions. They are designed to issue traffic tickets when no police officers are present.

2. If you can, stop when the light is yellow. Make sure you can stop behind the white line safely. Keep going if you want to risk a rear-end collision or stop in the middle of the intersection. If you can safely stop with enough space and time, do so. There may be a "Prepare to Stop" sign at some intersections. If the light is going to turn red, they will flash.

3. Proceed with caution through green lights. Before crossing, keep an eye out for bicyclists and pedestrians. If turning without a green turn arrow, wait until all traffic has passed before turning. If there is a turn arrow, you must wait until it turns green before moving forward. Wait until you are certain you can pass through the intersection before proceeding. You could receive a ticket for blocking the intersection if you do this and the light turns red.

4. Stop behind the white stop line. Stopping past the white line or in the pedestrian crossing is prohibited. If you are not the first vehicle at the intersection, give the vehicle in front of you space.

5. Only if it is safe and lawful should you turn right on red. Before making a turn, make sure all bicyclists and pedestrians are clear by looking in both directions. Before moving forward, keep an eye out for any posted signs that may read "No turn on red" or "After stop, right turn permitted on red." Unless you are turning onto a one-way street, avoid trying to turn left at a red light. Before starting to turn left onto a one-way street, make cautious to keep both yourself and pedestrians safe by checking both directions. In some places, turning left at a red light is prohibited.

6. Even if there isn't a marked crosswalk, give way to cyclists and pedestrians. They have the right of way at all times. Although it is safer, stopping until the crosswalk is clear is not a requirement everywhere. In some places, failing to yield to bicyclists or pedestrians in a marked crosswalk might result in a fine.

7. When necessary, use your blinkers. Use your blinker to indicate the direction you are turning, even if you are in a designated turn lane.

8. Only make a U-turn when it is safe. If you see "U-turn prohibited" or "No U-Turn" signs, do not make a U-turn. Before making a U-turn, look out for approaching vehicles and pedestrians.

9. If the light is blinking red or is extinguished, come to a full stop. When it is safe to move forward, look to your left and right to see whether any traffic is crossing in front of you. Blinking reds should be regarded as a stop sign.

10. If the light is blinking yellow, yield to traffic. Check if there is any oncoming traffic in either direction if the traffic light is blinking yellow. If so, come to a stop in front of the stop line. If not, carefully cross the intersection. Blinking yellows should be regarded as a yield sign.