What should you do when approaching a stop sign?

When approaching a stop sign, the proper action is to come to a complete stop, look in all directions, and proceed when it is safe to do so. This approach ensures that you are fully complying with the traffic signals and rules governing intersections. A complete stop allows you to assess the situation fully, including visibility of pedestrians, other vehicles, and any potential hazards.

By looking in all directions, you become more aware of the traffic around you, including vehicles that may not be visible until you're at a complete stop. This step is crucial for making informed decisions and avoiding accidents. Once you have evaluated the situation and determined it is safe, you can proceed through the intersection.

In contrast, simply slowing down and checking for traffic may not provide enough caution and could lead to negligence in fully assessing the environment. Stopping only if there are other vehicles presents a risk, as pedestrians or cyclists might be present that require your attention regardless of surrounding cars. Preparing to yield to oncoming traffic is not appropriate at a stop sign since the law requires a full stop before proceeding, irrespective of the presence of other vehicles.