What does it mean to "yield" in traffic?

Yielding in traffic refers to the responsibility of a driver to give way to other vehicles and pedestrians. This means that when a driver encounters a situation where another vehicle or pedestrian has the right of way, they must slow down, stop if necessary, and allow that entity to proceed before continuing on their way. This action is crucial for maintaining safety and preventing accidents on the road.

When drivers yield appropriately, it helps facilitate smooth traffic flow and ensures that pedestrians can cross streets safely, especially at intersections or pedestrian crossings. Failure to yield can lead to collisions and is often considered a traffic violation.

The other answer choices do not accurately reflect the concept of yielding. Accelerating to overtake others does not consider the rights of other road users; driving as fast as possible contradicts the idea of safety and sharing the road. Lastly, stopping only for pedestrians neglects the need to yield to other vehicles that may also have the right of way.