What should you do when you see a stop sign?

When you see a stop sign, coming to a complete stop is the correct action. Stop signs are placed at intersections to control traffic flow and ensure safety. The purpose of the sign is to make drivers halt, assess their surroundings, and ensure that the road is clear before proceeding. This practice minimizes the risk of accidents, especially at busy intersections where vehicles and pedestrians may be present.

While slowing down is important when approaching a stop sign, it is not sufficient; without a complete stop, a driver may miss crucial visual cues about other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians that could lead to dangerous situations. Moreover, yielding only to pedestrians does not account for other vehicles that may have the right of way. Ignoring the stop sign and proceeding with caution could result in serious traffic violations or accidents, undermining the sign's purpose of improving road safety. Thus, stopping completely is essential for responsible driving.