Final answer:
To communicate a stop, you extend your arm outward, bend your elbow at a 90-degree angle with your hand open and palm facing forward. This universal hand signal promotes safety and helps prevent accidents on the road.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hand signal you must use to communicate that you're stopping involves extending your arm outwards and bending your elbow at a 90-degree angle with your hand open and palm facing forward. This makes it clear to drivers and bicyclists behind you that you are about to stop.
Symbols can often be communicative, especially when used out of context, like a stop sign on a door or pajamas in a classroom. Just as unconventional clothing can defy cultural norms, clear and universal signals on the road, such as hand signals, are crucial for safety in traffic and preventing accidents.
Choosing the correct hand signal for stopping is important for the safety of both the person signaling and those around them. As one of the universally recognized signals, it helps maintain order on the roads and prevent collisions and misunderstandings.