Final answer:
The hand signal to indicate stopping or slowing down is an arm extended outward and angled downward. Traffic signals also influence vehicle speed and pedestrian safety, while stop signs and other symbols serve as critical communication tools on the road.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hand signal to indicate stopping or slowing down when driving is important for maintaining road safety. To perform the signal, a driver should extend their left arm out of the window and angle their forearm vertically downward. This gesture helps communicate to other road users that the vehicle is intending to reduce speed or come to a stop.
In addition to the hand signal, traffic signals also play a critical role in managing vehicle speed and ensuring pedestrian safety. For example, the presence of a traffic signal at an intersection compels vehicles to slow down and can prevent them from speeding through without regard to posted speed limits. It also regulates pedestrian crossing, allowing them to traverse intersections safely. Symbols and signage, like stop signs, have the power to convey messages and influence behavior on the road, reflecting their significances as tools for safety and communication.