What is the correct action to take when approaching a stop sign?

When approaching a stop sign, the proper action is to stop completely and yield to others. This is crucial because the stop sign indicates that drivers must halt their vehicles before entering the intersection. This complete stop allows drivers to assess the situation for any other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists that may have the right of way.

Yielding to others ensures that you are respecting the rules of the road and maintaining safety for everyone involved. By stopping fully, you can make sure that it is safe to proceed and that you’re not interfering with other road users who may be approaching the intersection from different directions.

The other responses suggest insufficient actions for safety. Simply slowing down without stopping does not account for the necessity to check for others before proceeding, which can lead to accidents. Stopping only if there is traffic is unreliable, as conditions can change quickly. Moving through the intersection without stopping when it appears clear undermines the purpose of the stop sign and can also result in dangerous situations.