What should you do when approaching a stop sign?

When approaching a stop sign, the appropriate action is to come to a complete stop and yield to any traffic or pedestrians. This is a fundamental rule of safe driving and traffic law. At a stop sign, drivers are required to halt their vehicles completely before the stop line or intersection. This stoppage allows drivers to assess the intersection for any oncoming vehicles and any pedestrians who may also be crossing.

Yielding means giving the right of way to others who are already in the intersection or may cross in front of you. This ensures safety for all road users and helps to prevent accidents. Stopping completely allows time to observe the surroundings and make informed decisions about when it is safe to proceed.

In contrast, some of the other choices suggest insufficient caution. For instance, slowing down without stopping may lead to overlooking potential hazards, while stopping only if other vehicles are present undermines the need for vigilance at all times. Ignoring the sign altogether poses a significant risk not only to the driver but also to others on the road.