What is the first action a driver should take at a Stop sign?

At a Stop sign, the driver's first action should be to come to a complete stop. This is a critical traffic regulation that ensures the safety of all road users. When a driver stops completely at a Stop sign, they are given the opportunity to survey their surroundings, allowing them to assess whether it is safe to proceed.

This full stop is essential for recognizing other vehicles, pedestrians, or any potential hazards that might not be immediately visible without stopping. It is a fundamental rule in traffic safety that helps prevent collisions and promotes orderly traffic flow. By adhering to this rule, drivers fulfill their obligation to yield the right-of-way to others appropriately, ensuring a safer driving environment.

Other options would not fulfill the legal or safety requirements of approaching a Stop sign. For instance, yielding to all traffic without a complete stop would not ensure that the driver is aware of their immediate surroundings. Checking mirrors alone does not provide adequate information about cross traffic or pedestrians. Proceeding cautiously without stopping could lead to accidents, as it does not give the driver the necessary moment to evaluate the intersection's safety.