How many drivers really know what yielding means?

Drivers across our country seem to have a different interpretation to a lot of driving rules. Most drivers won’t admit it, but I see it happen almost every day that I drive. The one that I witness most often is the difference between stopping and yielding. Is there a difference? When do you not have to yield? How clear are you with regards to yielding to traffic? Let’s find out.

Close to my home is this lovely roundabout. There are plenty of yield signs as you can see. The problems go from one end of the scale to the other end. Some drivers I see will barely slow down, even when they see traffic already at another side of the roundabout. Other drivers will stop completely, even when no other vehicle is in sight. What’s the correct way to deal with a yield sign?

As you approach a yield sign, you must look to see if any traffic is approaching from the other directions. This would include vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. If there isn’t any other traffic, you can keep going without having to come to a complete stop. Be sure to reduce your speed enough that can allow you to stop if someone is approaching. If you’re assuming it will be clear and it isn’t, you’ll stop late and perhaps block part of their path or perhaps have your vehicle struck by another vehicle.

If you’re approaching the yield sign and there is traffic approaching from other directions, you must at least slow down enough to let them pass by safely. You may not have to come to a complete stop if they’ve passed you before you come to that stop. In other words, don’t stop for the sake of stopping.

That brings up another point. In this particular roundabout, I see drivers who have entered the roundabout and then as they approach other roads that lead up to this roundabout, they stop. Why? This doesn’t make any sense at all. They’re not facing a yield sign any longer, but the other drivers who are approaching the roundabout are. This is hugely confusing to the drivers who have a yield sign. If you see drivers who are yielding to you, no need to yield to them. It especially doesn’t please the drivers behind you if you’re yielding when you shouldn’t. The drivers behind you aren’t expecting you to slow down or stop, therefore a rear crash may happen.

And by the way, the yield signs at this roundabout actually have a sign underneath it that says; “Yield to traffic in the roundabout”. Shouldn’t that make it easier for drivers to understand how to drive near yield signs? Understand the rules of the road before heading out there. If you’re not completely sure about what to do, research the information or ask an expert. Hopefully this information will help to clear up any confusion you have regarding yielding.