A hand signal should be used when:

• A. Slowing and stopping
• B. Turning without signaling
• C. Maintaining speed in traffic
• D. Accelerating in a construction zone

Answer: (A)

Hand signals are a way to communicate your actions to other road users when electronic signals aren’t enough or aren’t working. The most important use is to indicate that you are slowing down or stopping, because drivers behind you need to know you’re reducing speed so they can adjust safely. To show this, you extend your left arm downward, signaling that you’re decelerating or coming to a stop.

Turning should be indicated with your turn signals before you make the move (or with a hand signal if signals aren’t functioning), so relying on a hand signal for turning isn’t the primary or safest expectation in normal conditions. Maintaining speed doesn’t require signaling, and accelerating in a construction zone isn’t a signal cue in itself.