What is the primary meaning of a yield sign?

The primary meaning of a yield sign is indeed to slow down and prepare to stop while giving way to oncoming traffic. This sign is an important regulatory marker in traffic law that instructs drivers to prioritize the safety of others on the road. When a driver approaches a yield sign, they are expected to reduce their speed and assess the situation. If there are vehicles or pedestrians present, the driver must allow them to proceed before moving forward. This action helps prevent collisions and ensures smoother traffic flow at intersections where it may not be safe to assume priority over other road users.

The other options do not accurately reflect the purpose of the yield sign. Speeding up and proceeding with caution can lead to dangerous situations, while continuing at the same speed disregards the necessity of assessing oncoming traffic. Lastly, only stopping if other vehicles are present undermines the proactive measure of preparing to stop as required by the yield sign, which is focused on safety and attentiveness on the road.