When approaching an intersection with a stop sign, what must you do?

When approaching an intersection with a stop sign, the correct action is to come to a complete stop and yield to any pedestrians or traffic that may be present. This is crucial because a stop sign indicates that drivers must halt their vehicles completely before proceeding. Failing to stop can lead to dangerous situations, such as collisions or near misses with pedestrians who may be crossing or other vehicles that have the right of way.

Yielding to pedestrians is particularly important, as they have the right of way at intersections. This means that if there are pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross, drivers are legally and ethically required to give them the opportunity to pass safely before moving into the intersection.

This requirement fundamentally promotes road safety and ensures that all users of the road—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians—can interact more safely at intersections. Other actions, such as speeding up to get through the intersection, only slowing down without stopping, or turning right immediately without ensuring the intersection is clear, pose significant risks and violate traffic laws designed to protect everyone on the road.