What is the meaning of a yield sign?

A yield sign indicates that a driver must slow down and prepare to stop if necessary. This sign is crucial for ensuring safe intersections, as it instructs drivers to give way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. When you see a yield sign, you should assess the traffic conditions—if there are no vehicles or pedestrians that require priority, you may proceed without stopping. However, if other road users are present and have the right-of-way, it is essential to be prepared to stop. This cautious approach helps prevent accidents and promotes orderly traffic flow.

The other options suggest more extreme or less cautious actions that do not align with the purpose of a yield sign. Stopping completely is only required for a stop sign, while accelerating through an intersection is unsafe and irresponsible in the context of approaching vehicles or pedestrians. Yielding only to pedestrians is overly limiting, as the sign applies to all road users.