When driving, what should you do if you encounter a stop sign?

When encountering a stop sign, the appropriate action is to stop completely and check for traffic. This instruction is crucial as it ensures that you have come to a full stop at the intersection, allowing you to evaluate the situation effectively. It gives you the opportunity to observe any vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians that may be approaching.

Coming to a complete stop is essential because it not only adheres to the traffic laws but also ensures your safety and the safety of others on the road. Checking for traffic after stopping informs you if it is safe to proceed, helping you to avoid potential accidents that could occur if you were to proceed without adequate awareness of your surroundings.

Other options suggest insufficient caution or actions that could lead to dangerous situations, such as continuing through the intersection without stopping or merely slowing down, which does not guarantee that you are clear to proceed. Yielding to oncoming vehicles implies that you are already in a position to do so, which might not be the case without first stopping to assess the situation. Therefore, stopping completely and checking for traffic is the safest and most responsible action to take at a stop sign.