One reason is that its better to keep both hands on the wheel when braking. Bad things can happen to traction under those circumstances, just when you least expect it. Also, when you need power, if you're not already in gear you have to take time to select it.
There's also the factor that you can use the engine resistance for a small part of the braking effort, until it reaches idle. That's the reason for using low gears on downhill as well as up. It's possible to put the clutch in and coast, change to a lower gear, and later gently let in the clutch to slow for a turn (and I did this once during a driving lesson).
The "correct" technique for braking is to apply the brake gradually and firmly (rather than jamming it down), and to disengage the clutch when the engine reaches idle (rather than immediately). You can take the opportunity to change gear once you're either stopped or no longer braking.
There's also the factor that you can use the engine resistance for a small part of the braking effort, until it reaches idle. That's the reason for using low gears on downhill as well as up. It's possible to put the clutch in and coast, change to a lower gear, and later gently let in the clutch to slow for a turn (and I did this once during a driving lesson).
The "correct" technique for braking is to apply the brake gradually and firmly (rather than jamming it down), and to disengage the clutch when the engine reaches idle (rather than immediately). You can take the opportunity to change gear once you're either stopped or no longer braking.
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