At an intersection controlled by a stop sign, if you can't see the traffic when you stop behind the stop bar, what should you do?

When you encounter a stop sign at an intersection and your view of oncoming traffic is obstructed when you stop behind the stop bar, the appropriate action is to pull forward slowly, check for traffic, and then proceed with caution. This practice ensures that you can safely assess the intersection and make informed decisions while minimizing the risk of a collision.

Pulling forward allows you to get a better vantage point to see any vehicles that may be approaching. It’s important to do this slowly and cautiously, ensuring that you are still adhering to the rules of the road. Once you have a clear view and it is safe to do so, you can safely continue through the intersection.

Other options may not provide a safe or effective solution. For instance, staying stopped does not help you gain a better view or make an informed decision about proceeding. Reversing could create a hazardous situation for yourself and other drivers, while waiting for a pedestrian to cross could cause unnecessary delays and doesn’t resolve the visibility issue. Therefore, pulling forward slowly and checking for traffic is the best and safest choice in this scenario.