After a collision or breakdown on a busy road, passing traffic can prove hazardous. To keep yourself safe, the U.S. Department of Transportation recommends you set out warning triangles to alert other motorists to your presence while you wait for a tow truck. These three-sided, orange or red reflective devices should be placed on the road behind or in front of your vehicle to make you more visible and prevent further accidents. Proper placement is described below.

Before Placement

Before setting out warning triangles or road flares, pull your vehicle as far onto the shoulder as possible and engage your hazard lights. Wear light-colored or reflective clothing, if possible. 

Drivers should carry at least three triangles in their trunk or hatch and hold them so that the reflective material is visible while walking on the road. Triangles and flares should be placed within ten minutes of your crash or breakdown.

Proper Placement

On Two-Lane Highways

On two-lane roads, cars in your lane may have to veer into the oncoming lane to pass you, so you need to warn drivers in both directions. Place one triangle 10 feet behind your car, another 100 feet behind you, and a third 100 feet in front of your car—all in the center of the lane your car occupies.

On Divided Highways

You don't need to worry about oncoming traffic, so place the first two as indicated above. Put the third triangle 200 feet behind your car, again in the center of your lane.

On Hills or Curves

On roads with poor visibility, you need to provide drivers with plenty of warning. Put one 100 feet ahead of your car, another 10 feet behind, and the third between 100 and 500 feet behind your vehicle. This should be enough to alert drivers before they crest the hill or round the bend. 

After placement, return to your vehicle and await the arrival of your tow truck.

If you suffer a breakdown and need the help of a tow truck, contact Craig's Towing & Repair in La Crosse, WI. They are family-owned and -operated and have served La Crosse and Sauk Counties for more than 25 years. They offer prompt response times, friendly service, and safe transport. They specialize in emergency towing and auto repair. Learn more about them on their website, or call (608) 784-1638 to request a tow truck.