What should you do if traffic is backing up while approaching an intersection with a stale green light?

When approaching an intersection with a stale green light, it is essential to prepare to stop cautiously. A stale green light indicates that the light has been green for some time, which means it might change to yellow or red soon. Additionally, if traffic is backing up, there is a heightened risk of encountering vehicles that may not be able to clear the intersection safely.

By preparing to stop, you are maintaining a defensive driving strategy that prioritizes safety for both yourself and other drivers. This approach allows you to assess the situation effectively, giving you the chance to react appropriately if the light changes or if the traffic situation worsens.

In contrast, speeding up to cross the intersection could result in a dangerous situation, as you may not be able to stop safely if the light changes or if traffic continues to back up. Changing lanes quickly can increase the risk of collisions, especially if other drivers are also responding to the traffic situation. Ignoring the green light altogether would neglect the need for situational awareness and could lead to serious accidents. Thus, preparing to stop is the most prudent and cautious approach in this scenario.