What action is required when facing a flashing red light?

When facing a flashing red light, the action required is to make a complete stop and yield to oncoming traffic. This is similar to a stop sign; you must come to a full stop at the intersection and look for any oncoming vehicles or pedestrians. After ensuring it is safe to proceed, you may continue through the intersection. The rule is in place to enhance safety at intersections, as the flashing red light indicates that drivers need to be extra cautious before proceeding.

The other options don't align with the required action for a flashing red light. For instance, slowing down and proceeding with caution does not ensure that the driver has fully assessed the situation before entering the intersection. Continuing to drive when no traffic is present does not follow the requirement of stopping, which is critical for avoiding potential accidents. Lastly, stopping only for pedestrians disregards the necessity to stop for all traffic at a flashing red light.