Examkin

Question

Difficulty: HardGeneral Breakdown Procedures and Warning Devices

While navigating a winding single-carriageway road, a sudden mechanical fault forces you to stop on the nearside verge shortly before a blind bend. How should you use warning devices to alert approaching traffic to the hazard safely?

  1. A
    Switch on your vehicle's high-beam headlights and stand in the road 45 metres behind your car holding the warning triangle to direct traffic
  2. Activate your hazard warning lights and place an advance warning triangle on the same side of the road at least 45 metres before the obstructionAnswer
  3. C
    Rely solely on hazard warning lights, as placing a portable warning triangle on any public carriageway is strictly prohibited by law
  4. D
    Switch on your rear fog lights and position an advance warning triangle directly in the oncoming traffic lane

Answer

Activate hazard warning lights and place an advance warning triangle on the same side of the road at least 45 metres before the obstruction.
On non-motorway roads such as single carriageways, drivers should activate their hazard warning lights if the vehicle causes an obstruction and, if safe to do so, position an advance warning triangle at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind the vehicle on the same side of the road to alert approaching traffic well ahead of a blind bend.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the road environment and activate hazard warning lights immediately
The disabled vehicle's flashing indicators alert traffic approaching from both directions to an obstruction on the verge.
Hazard lights warn surrounding drivers that the vehicle is temporarily stationary in an unexpected location.
2
Determine if an advance warning device can be deployed safely without entering a motorway context
Because this is an all-purpose single carriageway (not a motorway), an advance warning triangle is permitted and recommended.
Warning triangles must never be used on motorways due to high traffic speeds and slipstreams, but they provide essential advance notice on non-motorway roads.
3
Place the warning triangle on the same side of the road at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind the vehicle
Traffic negotiating the blind bend is given adequate stopping distance and time to react before reaching the disabled car.
Highway Code Rule 274 stipulates a minimum distance of 45 metres on the same side of the road to ensure sufficient warning.

Key Concept

Highway Code breakdown safety rules on all-purpose roads require activating hazard lights and placing a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind the vehicle on the same side, whereas triangles are strictly forbidden on motorways.
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Rate this question

Topics

General Breakdown Procedures and Warning Devices

More questions from this topic