What does a "Yield" sign indicate?

A "Yield" sign is an important traffic control device that indicates a driver must prepare to yield the right of way to other vehicles and pedestrians in certain situations. This means that when you approach a Yield sign, you should slow down and be ready to stop if necessary to allow other road users to pass safely. It's meant to enhance safety at intersections or where merging occurs, ensuring that you give priority to others when they are already in the intersection or crossing.

While some signs might indicate a complete stop, as seen with a Stop sign, a Yield sign requires more caution and attentiveness without necessarily coming to a full stop, unless it’s needed for safety reasons. Speeding up when safe does not apply to a Yield situation, as the main obligation is to allow others to go first. Proceeding with caution ties in with the overall understanding of traffic signs; however, it is specifically about yielding the right of way that solidifies the meaning of the Yield sign.