väistämismerkki

Väistämismerkki, known in English as the "yield sign" or "give way sign," is a traffic sign that indicates to drivers that they must be prepared to stop if necessary to allow other traffic or pedestrians to proceed. It is a regulatory sign, meaning it imposes a legal obligation on drivers.

The primary purpose of a väistämismerkki is to manage traffic flow at intersections or other locations where conflicting movements occur. When a driver encounters this sign, they are obligated to slow down and be ready to yield the right-of-way to vehicles on the intersecting road or to pedestrians in a crosswalk. This means they must give way to any traffic that has priority, ensuring that the flow of traffic is not impeded and that collisions are avoided.

Typically, the väistämismerkki is an inverted equilateral triangle, with the point facing downwards. The background is usually white, and the border is red. This distinctive shape and color scheme make it easily recognizable to drivers. In some countries, variations of the sign exist, but the fundamental message of yielding remains consistent.

Drivers are expected to assess the traffic situation carefully when approaching a väistämismerkki. If there is no conflicting traffic or pedestrians, they may proceed without stopping. However, if there is any potential for conflict, a complete stop is not always mandatory, but a reduction in speed and a clear intention to yield is required. The specific regulations regarding when to stop and when to proceed may vary slightly by jurisdiction, but the overarching principle of giving way to others is universal. Failure to obey a väistämismerkki can result in traffic citations and is a common cause of accidents.