If you are going to stop or slow down unexpectedly, what should you do?

When you need to stop or slow down unexpectedly, tapping your brake pedal three or four times quickly serves as a warning to drivers behind you. This technique provides a clear visual signal that your vehicle is slowing down, alerting others on the road to prepare to stop or adjust their speed. This method is particularly effective in situations where you may not have time to signal more formally, allowing you to communicate your intention without delay.

Using your hazard lights is a good practice for indicating a larger issue with your vehicle or when parked on the side of the road, but it is not typically used for a sudden stop in motion. Signaling with your hand can be useful for specific maneuvers, such as turns or lane changes, but it may not sufficiently alert drivers in trailing vehicles that you are slowing down. Sounding your horn can alert other drivers, but using it excessively can lead to confusion or misunderstanding. Therefore, tapping your brake lights is the most effective and widely recognized way to communicate your intention to stop or slow down suddenly.