Final answer:
Under normal conditions, you must wait at a red light until it turns green, but in exceptional emergency situations, such as a medical emergency requiring immediate hospital attention, the urgency may warrant proceeding after ensuring the intersection is clear to prevent greater harm.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you're stopped at a red light and have made sure to check that the intersection is clear of vehicles and people, you may proceed only if specific circumstances apply and if there aren't signs prohibiting such actions. Typically, the rules of the road dictate that you must remain stationary until the traffic signal changes to green. However, there can be exceptional situations where proceeding during a red light may be considered due to emergency circumstances. One such example would be the case of a medical emergency, like when there is a pregnant woman about to give birth in the car, and you're on the way to the hospital.
Traffic safety and the proper functioning of traffic signals are crucial to ensure orderly driving and pedestrian well-being. Violating the rules of the road can lead to dangerous situations and potentially accidents. If there is an absolute necessity, such as the specified medical emergency at 4 AM, the great need to reach the hospital might be weighed against the risk of proceeding through the red light to ensure the safety of the pregnant woman and her unborn child.
It's important to note that this situation is highly exceptional, and typically any decision to proceed in violation of traffic laws should be left to emergency responders and law enforcement who have the training and legal authority to make such judgments in an emergency.