What action must a driver take when they encounter a stop sign?

When a driver encounters a stop sign, the required action is to come to a complete stop. This action is essential for ensuring the safety of all road users, as stop signs are placed at intersections to control traffic flow and give priority to certain vehicles or pedestrians. By stopping completely, drivers can assess the situation at the intersection, checking for other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians that may be crossing or approaching.

A full stop allows for better awareness of one's surroundings, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring that drivers yield to any right of way regulations that may apply. It is important for drivers to remember that the stop must be at the marked stop line, if present, or before entering the crosswalk or intersection.

Different actions, such as speeding through the intersection or merely slowing down, do not provide the same level of safety and can lead to collisions or traffic violations. Additionally, calculating right of way is important, but it cannot be effectively done without first coming to a complete stop at the sign. Thus, stopping is not just a legal requirement but also a critical safety measure.