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.

16 Comments

Ekow Aidoo

1/11/2016 05:55:52

Useful information. Thanks.

Sheriff Saviour Tamakloe

26/1/2017 17:02:48

How will l become the best driver in the world

Ahmad

5/2/2017 08:14:26

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 18:52:08

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

Jeremy Pritchard

1/8/2017 15:03:36

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.

Bikerider48

23/10/2019 21:20:44

1 It would not obstruct emergency vehicles if placed correctly. But more importantly, why is there not joined up thinking from the government. Highway Code states, One should be used. But Highways England state one should not be used.

Ghuraba

27/1/2020 21:29:44

It's nonsensical. Like the advice you should stay in your flat in a fire. If anywhere, motorways are MOST SUITABLE for this due to the speed vehicles are travelling and the likelihood of an incident. I'd suggest placing it out of the way of any part of the actual road though and just placing it by the side of the road, perhaps so the edge is on the lane though, so drivers are aware of an upcoming hazard, but don't have to suddenly veer off the lane.

Alan

13/1/2021 16:13:58

No, motorways are not ‘MOST SUITABLE’. Vehicles are travelling at 60 - 70 mph in close proximity. Heavy Goods Vehicles will likely blow these little signs away as they pass. You are putting yourself at danger putting out warning signs unless you are trained and have a High vis jacket.
You need to position your vehicle as close to the left hand edge as you can and get out. It has been known for people to be killed on the hard shoulder so it is a dangerous place to be.

Ardit

6/11/2017 10:38:33

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

Jeremy Pritchard

7/12/2018 23:12:20

Stop to the side of the left-lane as far as possible - to allow other traffic to get through, or shoulder, and IF engine still operates, keep left indicator on. Fix those hazard lights. Buses et Al should carry three hazard warning triangles to UNECE 27R Spec. Placement is stamped on the packaging. Wear (and carry on board) a high visibility safety vest to EN471 Class 2. These are typically green fluorescent, and have light reflecting bands.

Ashok link

5/12/2018 16:12:43

It is really irritating when one uses hazard lights in rain. It is confusing to others. Here is my article on this issue http://www.indiadrivesafe.com/the-use-of-hazard-signal-and-warning-triangle/

Jeremy Pritchard

7/12/2018 23:36:20

If a vehicle breaks down on a road or shoulder under any weather conditions, the driver should activate the vehicles hazard-warning lights.

Some countries permit the hazard warning lights to be routinely used when driving in poor visibility such as torrential rain or in heavy fog or dust storms. Owing safety concerns (complacency), I discourage at government level this action for moving vehicles. Better then, for nations to update vehicle standards and adopt as Mandatory the global design rule "UNECE 38" - Rear fog lamp function, for all vehicle and trailer categories. Education falls to the state, enforcement to police. This function is red in colour, and are purpose designed for low visibility driving, and means the hazard warning lights can be left for their original purpose; warning of a crash or breakdown. UN Convention on Road Traffic, permits drivers to give a 'quick' flash of hazard-warning lights, to signal to rear approaching traffic of danger up ahead, that they may not see. An example would be an unfolding crash around a curve or bend in the road, and you know you've got vehicles approaching your vehicle at speed. Done, to reduce likelihood of multi-family crash outcomes.

adriving link

3/3/2019 21:42:03

Is the same rule apply on local roads as dual carriageway. Can passengers stay in the car?

John Finnigan

1/8/2019 07:32:36

All passengers MUST leave the vehicle and retreat to a safe distance. On a bus pessengers must leave from the rear of the bus FIRST.

Frank Andrews

22/3/2019 08:12:57

When are the police going to adhere to stopping the required safety distance behind a vehicle either broken down or they have stopped with their wheels turned to the left. This ensures anyone ie a disabled person still in their can remain safe without being shunted if the police vehicle got hit.So zo many many times I have witnessed these vehicle pulling right up behind a vehicle on the emergency lane of the motorway putting these people at risk. I have trained so many people on this safe working practice and yet it still goes on .someone sit down and refresh this training with them

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

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