What action should a driver take when encountering a stop sign?

When encountering a stop sign, the appropriate action is to come to a complete stop and check for pedestrians and traffic. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. A complete stop allows the driver to properly assess the intersection and determine if it is safe to proceed.

This practice helps prevent accidents that could occur from overlooking pedestrians who may be crossing or other vehicles approaching the intersection. By stopping completely, the driver has the opportunity to thoroughly scan the environment for any potential hazards before making a decision to go forward.

The other options suggest actions that could lead to unsafe driving conditions, such as not stopping or merely slowing down, which don’t ensure full awareness of the surroundings. Therefore, coming to a full stop is a foundational aspect of safe driving practices at intersections marked with stop signs.