What A Yield Sign Actually Means
Regardless of where you are in the country, and what road you’re driving on, you have to follow the rules of the road. Oftentimes, the rules are set forth at length in the Motor Vehicle Code in the state where you are. While these rules are definitely handy, they are not the only ones. There are also rules of the road that exist and govern all motor vehicle conduct from a standard of what is reasonable, in addition to what is strictly legal.
These different sources of what you should and should not do on the road give rise to all of these street signs that we know and love. Among them is the yield sign – and it is the sign that most people have trouble understanding, and obeying. Attorneys such as our friends at Blaszkow Legal, PLLC know that many accidents are caused because drivers do not know how to adhere to a yield sign. Proper understanding of these guidelines can help prevent accidents.
Understanding Yield Signs
Firstly, a yield sign is a directive, and an order. It is specifically telling you that your right-of-way stops, and the right of way you had ends where the sign is located. In fact, it is specifically telling you that your right of way is “inferior” to the right of way of another road and the motorists that are on the road. This is not just a matter of semantics. Right of way is the determination of who goes first, and who has the right to continue going regardless.
A yield sign is, for all intents and purposes, a stop sign. The only difference is that, if the way is completely clear, then you may proceed without stopping. A stop sign, as you know, commands you to stop, regardless of whether or not you can see other traffic.
How To Proceed At Yield Signs
If the road is clear, should you drive right through a yield sign? The answer is know. No matter how many times you have driven a specific road, these signs are here for safety. The reason the sign may be there, could be a blind curve, or even anticipated spurts in traffic from another nearby traffic light or signal. If you are ever not sure, you should always always stop.
A yield sign imposes certain duties on you, as the person yielding. This means that you have to slow, and give way to the traffic on the superior roadway, meaning the traffic that is being yielded to. As you do this, you have to look and ensure that the road is clear before attempting to proceed. This is not optional.
Where Yield Signs Commonly Occur
Yield signs are often found on entrance ramps, “jug handles,” and junctions with other roads. This should serve as an additional reminder to use extreme care when merging, and moving from one road onto another. Oftentimes, yield signs may occur where there is a crosswalk or a bicycle lane. If you have been struck by a vehicle that ignored a yield sign as a pedestrian or bicyclist, a bicycle accident lawyer may be able to help you.
Remember that a yield sign can be used against you. If you have a duty and obligation to yield to traffic, and you do not, and you cause a motor vehicle accident (such as merging without yielding to the traffic with the superior right of way), this information can be used against you by the police, and later in court, potentially in the form of a judgment or verdict.