What action should you take when approaching a stop sign?

When approaching a stop sign, it is essential to come to a complete stop to comply with traffic laws and ensure safety at intersections. This action allows you to fully assess the situation, ensuring that the intersection is clear of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. By stopping completely, you are giving yourself the opportunity to look both ways before proceeding, thus reducing the risk of accidents that could arise from misjudging oncoming traffic or overlooking pedestrians. It's a fundamental rule of the road designed to protect all users and maintain orderly traffic flow.