Entry thirty-four: signs.

Today I realized that yield signs are not clear. When two lanes are merging into one and you see a yield sign, you know instinctively to slow down if someone is in the lane next to you (or speed up, whichever you prefer). My beef isn't with the concept of a yield sign. I actually think the signs themselves are a good idea. My problem is in the orientation of the sign. Clearly, the upside down triangle is deceitful.

Exhibit A:
Normal Yield Sign

On street signs, we have been socialized to understand that an upward arrow means "forward" and a down arrow means "where you are right now". The upside down triangle characteristic of the yield sign is misleading; it is telling us that we will have more space ahead, which is the OPPOSITE of the truth.

Then you get crazy people who think signs like this are a good idea:

Exhibit B:
Yield Ahead (Just an FYI) Sign

I just don't understand. Flip the triangle. It isn't that difficult. There is no need for a yellow sign which contains multiple images. If you flip the triangle, it becomes the arrow.

People need to chill out with their sign-age.

(Inspired by Google search, illustrated by Kris.)