What is the purpose of a stop sign?

The purpose of a stop sign is to notify drivers to come to a complete stop. This is crucial for ensuring safety at intersections, where visibility can be limited, and the potential for accidents is higher due to conflicting traffic. When a driver approaches a stop sign, they must stop their vehicle behind the designated line or crosswalk, checking for oncoming traffic and pedestrians before proceeding. It reinforces the idea of caution and provides a clear instruction that drivers must yield to all other vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection. This regulation helps maintain orderly flow and prevents collisions, making roadways safer for everyone.