Which action is required when approaching a stop sign?

When approaching a stop sign, the required action is to come to a complete stop and yield to any oncoming traffic or pedestrians. This is a critical rule in traffic safety, ensuring that drivers assess the intersection fully before proceeding. By stopping completely, drivers have the opportunity to check for other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians that may have the right of way. This practice minimizes the risk of collisions and ensures a safe merging into the flow of traffic after the stop.

Other options suggest behaviors that do not comply with traffic laws. For instance, speeding up to pass the intersection overlooks the necessity to stop and could lead to serious accidents. Simply slowing down and proceeding with caution implies a partial stop rather than the required complete stop, which is not sufficient at a stop sign. Only stopping if other cars are present would lead to dangerous situations, as it disregards the need for full compliance with the stop sign rules regardless of traffic conditions. Adhering to the requirement to stop ensures that all drivers are operating under the same rules, which promotes safety on the road.