How Far Should the Warning Triangle Be Placed on the Highway?
3 Answers
Highway during the day: 150 meters; at night: 250 meters; ordinary roads during the day: 50 meters; at night: 150 meters. Below are the relevant details: 1. Highway: According to Article 68 of China's 'Road Traffic Law,' when a vehicle breaks down on the highway, the warning sign should be placed at least 150 meters behind the vehicle during the day and 250 meters at night. All passengers should quickly move to the right shoulder or emergency lane and call the police immediately. 2. Ordinary roads: On regular roads, the warning sign should be placed 50 to 100 meters behind the vehicle. At night, it should be placed at least 150 meters away. If it is nighttime or during rainy or foggy weather, the distance should be increased to 200 meters.
I've been driving on highways for over a decade, and placing the warning triangle at the right distance is crucial. The standard is 150 meters away – why so far? Because vehicles are moving fast. When a car behind is doing 120 km/h, this distance gives enough time to brake. Once when my car broke down, I placed the triangle 150 meters back as required, and a truck barely missed me – that distance saved my life. In bad weather like heavy fog or rain, I suggest placing it even further, about 200 meters, as poor visibility increases risks. Don't place it in the middle of the road; walk along the shoulder to position it visibly at the roadside. Also turn on your hazard lights for double protection. Never compromise on safety – always check if the warning triangle is in your car before trips, so you don't find it missing when needed. Regular vehicle maintenance is equally important – routinely inspect the engine and tires to prevent breakdowns.
When I first got my driver's license, I was quite clueless about this. The instructor said that if your car breaks down on the highway, you need to place the warning triangle 150 meters away. At first, I thought: wouldn't it be troublesome to place it so far? But after actually trying it, I realized that 150 meters is the necessary reaction distance for vehicles behind—at high speeds, they simply can't stop in a short distance. When placing the triangle, I paced it out—150 steps roughly equal 150 meters. Remember to turn on the hazard lights as well; it works better. Now, I drive more carefully, prioritizing prevention, and always check the spare warning triangle before getting in the car. If something goes wrong, don't panic—slowly place the triangle and then move behind the guardrail to wait for help. Insufficient distance can easily lead to a rear-end collision; safety always comes first, no matter what.
