What does a yield sign mean?

A yield sign is an important road sign that indicates a driver must slow down and give the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians approaching from other directions. This means that when you see a yield sign, you are required to check for oncoming traffic and ensure it is safe before proceeding. The key aspect of a yield sign is that it does not require a complete stop unless necessary for safety. Instead, the primary action is to be aware of your surroundings and yield to those who have the right of way, which may include other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians.

This is different from a stop sign, where a complete stop is mandatory. Likewise, speeding up to cross an intersection is dangerous and not in line with the rules associated with a yield sign. Merging without stopping may sometimes apply in certain contexts (like when merging onto a highway), but it does not capture the essential meaning of a yield sign, which is fundamentally about allowing others to proceed first.