What should a driver do when approaching a stop sign?

When approaching a stop sign, the correct action a driver should take is to come to a complete stop. This requirement ensures that the driver fully pauses their vehicle to assess the intersection for any potential hazards, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, or bicycles. A complete stop allows the driver to have full awareness of their surroundings, which is critical for making safe driving decisions when proceeding through the intersection.

This rule is in place to promote safety at intersections, where visibility can be limited and the risk of accidents is heightened. Failing to stop completely could lead to collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians who may have the right of way.

In contrast, the other options indicate actions that could compromise safety and violate traffic regulations. For example, simply slowing down and proceeding without stopping does not provide the necessary caution at intersections. Yielding only to the next vehicle disregards the need to watch for pedestrians or other traffic that might also be present. Stopping only if another vehicle is approaching does not account for situations where the intersection may be occupied by pedestrians or other hazards. Thus, the requirement to come to a complete stop is a vital aspect of responsible driving behavior at a stop sign.