What is the recommended action if you encounter a stop sign?

The recommended action when you encounter a stop sign is to come to a complete stop. This is a fundamental rule of traffic control that ensures safety at intersections. A complete stop allows you to assess the intersection fully, checking for any vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists that may be approaching from other directions. It's essential to come to a full stop before the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection, as this provides the time needed to gather information and make safe driving decisions.

This action is critical because a stop sign indicates that you must yield right-of-way to other road users, and failing to stop could lead to collisions or accidents. Simply proceeding cautiously or only looking for cross traffic does not ensure that you have all the necessary information to navigate safely through the intersection. Additionally, speeding up and passing quickly contradicts the purpose of the stop sign and increases the risk of dangerous situations.