What should you do when approaching a stop sign and the car in front of you proceeds?

When approaching a stop sign, it is crucial to adhere to the traffic laws that govern stopping at intersections. The correct action is to stop at the sign and proceed only when the way is clear. This ensures that you are following the law, which requires all vehicles to come to a complete stop at stop signs, regardless of the behavior of vehicles in front of you.

By stopping as mandated, you are allowing yourself the time needed to assess any potential hazards or pedestrians that may be present before continuing. This practice contributes to overall road safety by minimizing the risk of accidents that could occur if drivers make assumptions based on others' actions.

The other options do not promote safe driving practices. Following closely behind another car can reduce your reaction time and puts you at greater risk if that car makes an unexpected stop. Waving the car ahead may lead to confusion and does not align with traffic regulations. Ignoring the stop sign altogether compromises safety for yourself and others on the road, as it disregards the rules established to regulate traffic flow.