Sometimes stop signs are used because of interference with other drivers (check it's safe to checking other drivers), sometimes they refer to pedestrians (check

Sometimes stop signs are used because of interference with other drivers (check it's safe to checking other drivers), sometimes they refer to pedestrians (check it's safe by checking pedestrians), sometimes they refer to some other kind of danger, for example it could be something like speed bumps. Basically a stop sign is there to tell you to stop (even if it's not really necessary) and watch out for something (without telling you what). There exist all sorts of signs that actually tell the driver what to watch out for, and make the right of way situation clearer. But in North America, a stop sign is used in most situations. Four-way stop signs are another form of silliness. They often happen in residential areas where small streets cross. In Europe you'd have 'right before left' rules that only really matter when cars actually meet; in North America you have to come to a complete halt, constantly. I'm no driver, and am not a big fan of drivers or driving in general. But I kind of understand why drivers are so aggravated here.