What is the appropriate action to take if you approach a stop sign and no other vehicles are present?

When you approach a stop sign, the law requires that you come to a complete stop, regardless of whether other vehicles are present. This action ensures that you correctly observe any potential hazards that could be obscured from your view, such as pedestrians, cyclists, or other road users.

Coming to a full stop allows you to assess the situation at the intersection fully and yields to any right-of-way rules that may apply. It's crucial to maintain this practice consistently, as it contributes to safe driving habits and promotes adherence to traffic regulations, even when the road seems clear.

The other responses might suggest actions that could lead to unsafe driving practices. For example, speeding through the intersection disregards both the law and safety considerations. Slowing down and proceeding with caution does not fulfill the legal requirement to stop completely, which could result in confusion or accidents. Finally, stopping only if required by traffic could lead to dangerous assumptions about the intersection's environment and is against the rules governing stop signs. Hence, a complete stop is the proper approach.