How many meters away should the warning sign be placed from the direction of oncoming traffic for a malfunctioning vehicle?
3 Answers
Warning signs should be placed at least 150 meters away from the direction of oncoming traffic for a malfunctioning vehicle. According to regulations, when a motor vehicle breaks down on the highway and needs to stop to address the malfunction, the driver should immediately turn on the hazard warning lights, move the vehicle to a location that does not obstruct traffic, and park it. If the vehicle is difficult to move, the hazard warning lights should remain on continuously, and warning signs should be set up in the direction of oncoming traffic to increase the warning distance. If necessary, the driver should promptly call for emergency assistance. Passengers should quickly move to the right shoulder or the emergency lane. If a motor vehicle breaks down or is involved in a traffic accident on the highway and cannot be driven normally, it should be towed or pulled by a rescue vehicle or a tow truck.
Every time I drive, I always tell everyone to place the triangular warning sign about 150 meters in front of the broken-down vehicle, and this is not just casual advice. When driving on the highway, the speed is fast and the visibility is long, so it's necessary to leave enough reaction time for the drivers behind to brake or change lanes. If the distance is too close, and a car behind doesn't notice in time, a direct collision could lead to serious trouble. I've seen many accidents caused by signs placed too close, resulting in chain-rear-end collisions. Before placing the sign, first turn on the hazard lights to signal, stand outside the safety barrier, and measure the distance by counting steps or looking at the road milestones while walking—don't cut corners by placing it just a few dozen meters away. In rainy, foggy weather or at night when visibility is poor, place it even farther. Ultimately, 150 meters is the industry standard and the safety baseline—don't overlook this detail to save time, as safety is paramount.
As a driver with decades of experience, I believe there's real significance in this 150-meter distance. Think about it - if your car breaks down and stops by the roadside, placing the warning triangle too close means following drivers might reach your position in just seconds, leaving them no time to react. I've had a tire blowout on the highway before, and I made sure to properly take out that reflective warning triangle from my kit, measuring out 150 meters - roughly about 200 walking steps or estimating by the spacing between streetlights. Don't cut corners by only placing it 50 meters away, as that's almost as good as not placing one at all. When setting up the triangle, be mindful of passing vehicles and don't stand on the roadside blocking traffic. Also, don't skimp on quality - some cheap triangles have poor reflectivity, making them a waste of money. Make it a habit to always keep a warning triangle in your car's rear compartment, and check it seasonally to ensure it's not damaged. These small actions could save your life - remember that 150-meter figure, safety always comes first.
