Questions and Answers for the UK drivers

If you break down on a dual carriageway, how far away from your vehicle should you place a warning triangle?

16/1/2014

If you breakdown on a carriageway you should put a warning triangle on the road at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your broken-down vehicle on the same side of the road, or use other permitted warning devices if you have them. Always take great care when placing or retrieving them, but never use them on motorways.

6 Comments

Ekow Aidoo

1/11/2016 05:55:52 am

Useful information. Thanks.

Sheriff Saviour Tamakloe

26/1/2017 05:02:48 pm

How will l become the best driver in the world

Ahmad

5/2/2017 08:14:26 am

hi, when you say never use them on motorway, are you really saying that even if it is safe for the driver of the broken down vehicle to place it 45 metesr behind the vehicle, he/she should not do so even on the hard shoulder? Thanks

Tony ex-AA

8/5/2017 06:52:08 pm

On a hard shoulder it obstructs an emergency vehicle approaching safely on the hard shoulder

Jeremy Pritchard

1/8/2017 03:03:36 pm

Picture shows a triangle of very poor quality, not worth using. Therefore, ensure the triangle you use complies to global Spec 'UNECE27R'. This has an efficient outer red reflex reflectors for night and fog use, and an inner fluroescent orange 'daytime' triangle.

The fold-out legs will be 'spidery', for resistance to wind buffeting, and may have rubber feet.

On a GB motorway, you could place it on the roof or boot - to increase the visual aspect of the scene to approaching traffic, your hazard-warning lights should be on, if functioning.

A triangle is placed to the 'side' of the affected lane, rather than its center, to allow movement away from it! In most countries placement can typically be 30-200m (steps) away from the scene. Ideal for rural roads, where curves, bends, twists etc render breakdowns and crash scenes invisible till the last second.

Use a high-vis vest on scene (EN 471 Class 2), if you have one. Don't take your eyes off approaching traffic when placing triangle/s, and only place IF it is safe to do so.

Where countries operate CB radio, use the recognised 'road channel' to alert traffic of breakdowns and crash scenes, useful to alert heavy vehicles for obvious reasons.

Ardit

6/11/2017 10:38:33 am

What if my bus breaks down in single carriage way and my hazard lights are not working.

The Highway Code

If you break down on a dual carriageway, how far away from your vehicle should you place a warning triangle?

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