What does a yield sign indicate to drivers?

A yield sign indicates that drivers must give way to other vehicles and pedestrians before proceeding. It is a traffic control device that instructs drivers to slow down and prepare to stop if necessary, allowing for safe merging or crossing in the presence of oncoming traffic. The primary purpose of the yield sign is to avoid potential collisions by ensuring that traffic flows smoothly and safely at intersections, where vehicles may be entering or merging from different directions.

While it's important to understand that a yield does not require a complete stop unless needed, drivers must be aware of their surroundings and yield to any traffic that has the right of way.