What should a driver do upon stopping at a stop sign?

A driver approaching a stop sign is required by law to come to a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection. This ensures safety and gives the driver time to assess the situation at the intersection before proceeding. Counting to three after stopping, as suggested, provides an informal but practical measure to ensure that the driver has adequately checked for any pedestrians or oncoming traffic before moving forward. It reinforces the importance of taking pause to ensure it’s safe to proceed.

Proceeding immediately without stopping may lead to dangerous situations, including collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians who have the right of way. Similarly, waiting for the car behind to proceed can create confusion and does not follow the law, as each driver is responsible for their own actions at the intersection. Driving in reverse to gain a better view is not advised and can be hazardous, as it may lead to accidents with vehicles or pedestrians not seen in the driver’s path. Therefore, the method of counting provides a reasonable approach to ensure not only compliance with the law but an extra measure of caution at potentially dangerous intersections.