What is the order of actions the driver needs to take before slowing down?
- Step firmly on the brake pedal, to inform the driver behind you began to slow down.
- Give a hand signal to the driver behind, glance at the mirror to see his response and slow down.
- Turn your head backwards, step on the brake pedal to slow down and finally take a quick look at the mirrors.
- Correct answer: Glance at the mirrors, ease off the accelerator pedal and use the brakes or gears.
Why this is the answer
The correct answer in the official bank: Glance at the mirrors, ease off the accelerator pedal and use the brakes or gears.
Before slowing down, glance at the mirrors first to see who is behind you and how close they are, then ease off the accelerator and slow down with the brakes or gears. This keeps the slowdown gradual and predictable, giving the driver behind time to react. Braking hard to warn them actually raises the risk of a rear-end collision, and checking the mirrors only at the end is too late.