A driver's left hand extended downward means what?

When a driver's left hand is extended downward, it signifies that the driver is indicating they are stopping or slowing down. This hand signal is a way for drivers to communicate their intentions to others on the road, especially when vehicle signals are not visible.

This signal is particularly important for safety, as it provides clear information to pedestrians and other drivers about the driver's next action, allowing them to adjust accordingly. It is vital for maintaining effective communication on the road, as not all vehicles may have functioning brake lights or turn signals.

In contrast, other signals imply different actions: an extended left hand horizontally indicates a left turn, while an extended left hand upward suggests a right turn. Therefore, understanding the meaning of hand signals is crucial for safe driving and shared road awareness.