Here's why:
* Adjectives modify nouns. In this sentence, "slow" modifies the verb "down", which is acting as a noun (a noun phrase representing the action of slowing down).
* Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. While "slow" can be an adverb, in this case, it's describing the act of "down", which is functioning as a noun.
Therefore, "slow" acts as an adjective in this sentence.