What signal should you give when slowing down or stopping?

When slowing down or stopping, giving a signal is crucial for the safety of all road users, allowing others to anticipate your actions. The appropriate signal in this situation is to extend your hand downward, which effectively communicates to drivers behind you that you are about to slow down or stop. This hand signal is well-known and recognized by other motorcyclists and motorists alike, helping to prevent potential accidents by ensuring they are aware of your intentions.

While a left turn signal might indicate you are preparing to turn left, it does not convey the message of stopping or slowing. A right turn signal indicates a turn to the right, which also does not inform following vehicles that you are decreasing speed or halting. A hand wave, although friendly, is not a recognized signal for stopping and thus does not serve its purpose in traffic. Lastly, hazard lights are used to indicate a vehicle that is stationary due to an emergency situation or a significant hazard, which is not the same as simply slowing down or coming to a stop.

Using the correct hand signal, therefore, enhances safety by maintaining clear communication between you and other road users in situations where you need to reduce your speed or stop.