What action should a driver take if they encounter a stop sign?

When a driver encounters a stop sign, the appropriate action is to come to a complete stop. This action is crucial because a stop sign indicates that vehicles must halt at the designated intersection to ensure the safety of all road users. By stopping, drivers have the opportunity to observe any oncoming traffic or pedestrians and assess the situation before proceeding.

Coming to a complete stop fulfills the legal requirement and helps prevent accidents that could result from failure to yield the right of way. It allows for safe navigation through intersections, particularly in cases where visibility may be limited or traffic conditions are uncertain.

Although slowing down and proceeding may seem pragmatic in some situations, it does not meet the legal obligation of stopping and could pose risks to safety. Similarly, yielding to other vehicles might be necessary in certain driving scenarios, but this should occur only after a complete stop has been made at the stop sign. Changing lanes is typically irrelevant when approaching a stop sign, as the primary directive is to halt before any movement further into the intersection.