
The warning triangle should be placed 50-100 meters behind the car. Conventional road setup: According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China", on conventional roads, when a breakdown or traffic accident occurs, the warning triangle should be placed 50 to 100 meters behind the vehicle; on highways, the warning sign should be placed more than 150 meters behind the vehicle, and in rainy or foggy weather, the distance should be increased to 200 meters. Correct placement method for warning triangle: The correct way to use the warning triangle is to place it at the proper distance. Some car owners have the awareness to set up the warning triangle when an accident occurs, but the placement distance is almost equivalent to not placing it at all. Some place it directly less than 10 meters behind the car. If the warning triangle is placed too close to the accident site, it is practically the same as not placing it at all.

After driving for so long, I've learned an important lesson: place the warning triangle at least 50 meters behind the car. I remember last year when my car broke down on the highway at dusk, I initially placed it casually about 20-30 meters away, and the car behind almost hit it—it was so dangerous! This is because on highways, vehicles move fast, and the warning triangle needs to be placed far enough to give drivers sufficient time to react and slow down. From what I understand about Chinese regulations, it's recommended to place it 50 meters away on regular roads, but on highways or sharp turns, it's safer to place it 100 meters away. Never be lazy and place it too close, as that actually increases the risk of a rear-end collision. How to estimate 50 meters? For an average person, it's roughly about 70 steps. Safety first! After a breakdown, turn on the hazard lights first, then decisively place the warning triangle before dealing with the problem, ensuring your safety and that of others.

From a regulatory perspective, there are strict requirements for the placement distance of warning triangles. Based on my driving experience in China, it's generally required to place it at least 50 meters behind the vehicle. On highways or during poor visibility conditions like rain or fog, it's recommended to extend this distance to 100 meters. International standards are similar, with some European countries explicitly specifying 100 meters. I always make it a habit to check the vehicle owner's manual and traffic rule handbook—this isn't just good practice but a legal obligation. Placing it too close may result in a fine or cause accidents. Why this standard? A 50-meter distance gives following vehicles traveling at 60 km/h about 7 seconds of reaction time to avoid chain collisions. In practice, always ensure the triangle is securely positioned away from road obstacles, and consider using a mobile app for precise distance measurement.

The lesson from my car breakdown is deeply ingrained in my mind: the warning triangle must be placed 50 meters behind the car, at least 50 steps! At that time, I was only focused on fixing the car and placed it just over 10 meters away, resulting in the car behind honking and braking sharply, almost causing an accident. Looking back, it's especially crucial at night or in rainy conditions—50 meters ensures the reflective effect is noticeable, giving drivers a few extra seconds to see it clearly. In daily driving, don’t panic in emergencies. First, stop in a safe location and turn on the hazard lights, then count your steps while placing the triangle: generally, an adult’s step is about 0.7 meters, so walking around 70 steps is ideal. If the terrain is complex, such as on a slope, it’s better to place it farther rather than closer. Always carry a foldable warning triangle in your car and regularly check that its reflective strips are intact and not worn out.


