What should drivers do before entering an intersection at a stop sign?

Before entering an intersection at a stop sign, drivers should wait until it is clear. This means assessing the situation thoroughly by looking left, right, and left again for any oncoming traffic or pedestrians. The purpose of this action is to ensure the roadway is safe to enter before proceeding.

A stop sign indicates that a driver must come to a complete stop and cannot proceed without ensuring it is safe to move forward. Simply yielding to pedestrians only does not cover the obligation to assess other vehicles that may also be approaching or that might be in the intersection. Proceeding if no other vehicles are present neglects the critical step of verifying that the intersection is fully clear and safe, which could lead to potential hazards. Waiting for a green light is not applicable at a stop sign since stop signs signal a complete stop rather than a traffic signal indicating when to go. Thus, the safest and most responsible action is to wait until it is clear before entering the intersection.