Which of the following describes the proper stop-sign procedure in practice?

• A. Proceed after slowing slightly
• B. Stop completely, look for traffic and pedestrians, and proceed when safe
• C. Speed through if there is no cross traffic
• D. Ignore and proceed if in a hurry

Answer: (B)

Stopping fully at a stop sign, then scanning for cross traffic and pedestrians, and only moving again when it’s safe is how you handle a stop sign in practice. The full stop gives you a moment to observe who has the right of way and to avoid collisions. After you’ve stopped, you must look in all directions and yield to vehicles and pedestrians in or approaching the intersection, proceeding only when it’s clear. That description—complete stop, look for traffic and pedestrians, and proceed when safe—best captures the proper procedure. Choices that suggest merely slowing down, rushing through when there’s no cross traffic, or ignoring the sign altogether violate the rule and create danger.