When should a driver signal that they are slowing down?

A driver should signal that they are slowing down when approaching a stop sign. This is crucial for several reasons. First, signaling in this scenario communicates to other road users your intention to reduce speed and come to a full stop, promoting safety and awareness on the road. It allows other drivers and pedestrians to anticipate your actions, which can prevent accidents.

In contrast, signaling while moving at a constant speed does not convey any change in intention and could confuse other drivers. Indicating a right turn is relevant, but that action is separate from simply slowing down; it involves a directional change rather than a reduction in speed alone. Merging into traffic generally requires signaling to indicate a lane change, but slowing down to merge does not usually need a specific signal unless the driver is significantly reducing speed.

Thus, the most appropriate time to signal slowing down is when approaching a stop sign, as it is a clear indication of an intended action that enhances communication with other road users.