Question

Difficulty: MediumGeneral Breakdown Procedures and Warning Devices

A driver has pulled over onto the nearside verge of a two-way rural road after their vehicle becomes disabled. If they choose to set out a portable warning triangle to alert approaching traffic, which guideline must be followed?

  1. A
    Position the triangle on the roof of the disabled vehicle while leaving main beam headlights illuminated.
  2. Place the triangle at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind the vehicle on the same side of the road.Answer
  3. C
    Place the triangle on the centre line of the road approximately 10 metres ahead of the vehicle.
  4. D
    Position the triangle on the opposite verge facing oncoming traffic to warn drivers travelling in both directions.

Answer

Place the triangle at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind the vehicle on the same side of the road.
According to The Highway Code (Rule 274), when a vehicle is broken down on a standard road, an advance warning triangle should be placed at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind the vehicle on the same side of the road. This provides oncoming traffic from behind with sufficient time and distance to react and slow down safely.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the safety and regulatory requirements for deploying an advance warning triangle on a standard road under The Highway Code.
Recognise that a warning triangle must give sufficient advance notice to approaching traffic on the obstructed side of the carriageway without creating additional danger.
Approaching drivers travelling at speed require adequate distance to observe the hazard and slow down safely.
2
Determine the correct minimum distance and placement location specified by official standards.
The triangle must be placed at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind the stationary vehicle on the same side of the road.
This distance provides trailing traffic with enough reaction time and stopping distance to negotiate the hazard safely.

Key Concept

Placement and minimum distance requirements for deploying an advance warning triangle on standard UK roads.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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