What does a yield sign indicate?

A yield sign indicates that a driver must slow down and yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic or pedestrians. This means that as you approach a yield sign, you should prepare to stop if there are vehicles or individuals that have the right of way. The intent of a yield sign is to ensure that drivers acknowledge the presence of others and adjust their driving accordingly to prevent accidents.

When a yield sign is encountered, it is crucial for drivers to assess the situation ahead and allow any other road users who are in a position to proceed safely. This can involve coming to a complete stop if necessary, but the primary instruction is to yield, which often means slowing down sufficiently to gauge whether it is safe to continue without interfering with the flow of traffic.

In contrast, options that suggest proceeding without stopping or stopping immediately do not accurately capture the nature of yielding. Similarly, merging into traffic is not specifically addressed by a yield sign, as this involves different rules of engagement when entering a roadway or changing lanes. Therefore, understanding the purpose of a yield sign is essential for safe driving practices.