A Safety Lesson Learned

[ralphnjoann]

DW and I were driving down the Interstate when the truck died and we had to coast over to the shoulder. I put on the emergency flashers and got out to see what the problem was and the whole time I was out, vehicles in the right hand lane were flying by at breakneck speeds. It was dangerous to say the least.

I recalled that we had one of those folding orange reflective
emergency triangles with us so DW walked back and set it up. The change in traffic was dramatic. Virtually all of the 18 wheelers, and most of the other traffic moved into the left lane before passing us.

I know truckers are required by law to carry and use these triangles, and I think RVers are too. But even if not, they are well worth having.

[Searching_Ut]

I work with a retired highway patrol officer who was hit 4 times During his 24 years in the hwy patrol. He mentioned that it was common for drivers to steer towards what they were looking at. Evidently this is especially applicable to impaired drivers so things like cop cars with flashing life's actually attract drunks etc. in some cases. It's kind of one of those no good answer situations other than try to avoid the situation if at all possible.

[2oldman]

dodge guy wrote:
The law is to move over if possible if not slow down when coming up to a vehicle stopped on the side of the road! I do it all the time, then again I pay attention when I drive!

x2

Triangles and cones are for those who don't pay attention.

[2_many_2]

I have been using a couple of these cones for a few years.

I like them better than the triangles plus they have an LED bulb in the bottom that stays on or blinks. Since they collapse they take up very little room. They are so easy to use, I put them out when ever I stop and everyone that sees them asks me about them.

[4X4Dodger]

Just a note: these triangles are required by most European countries for all cars and virtually all new cars sold there come with them from the factory.

My Mercedes and later my BMW both bought here came with a tool kit and safety equipment from the factory.

All cars should have them and their proper placement should be part of drivers tests.

[beemerphile1]

I certainly think one should take every measure possible to be safe, but, police cars get hit regularly when on the side of the road lit up like a Christmas tree.

Safety is an illusion.

It amazes me when I see people changing a tire on a drivable vehicle on the side of the road inches from traffic. I will gladly destroy a tire and wheel in order to get to a safe place.

[Lynnmor]

In PA, and I am sure in other states, it is required that you carry flares/triangles when towing. You may also be required to carry a fire extinguisher. I always did.

[Hondavalk]

While this is a DOT requirement for commercial truck carriers I think it's appropriate for us also for proper placement:

On a two-lane road:
The first device should be placed on the traffic side of the vehicle 10 feet (4 paces) from the front or rear, depending on traffic direction,
The second device should be placed 100 feet (40 paces) behind the vehicle, and
A third device should be placed 100 feet (40 paces) ahead of the vehicle on the shoulder or in the lane where the vehicle is stopped.

One-way or divided highway:
The devices should be placed 10, 100 and 200 feet from the rear of the vehicle, toward approaching traffic.

Within 500 feet of a hill, curve or obstruction:
A device should be placed 100 to 500 feet from the vehicle in the direction of the obstruction.
The other two should be placed according to the rules for two-lane or divided highways.

[ams1130]

Thanks for sharing. Off to pick up one of the triangles today.

[dodge_guy]

The law is to move over if possible if not slow down when coming up to a vehicle stopped on the side of the road! I do it all the time, then again I pay attention when I drive!

[RedJeep]

I place a reflective triangle on my bumper when I park the RV in front of my house.

[JFNM]

As a cyclist and motorist that has had to pull onto the should a time or two, I can assure you that motorists are out to kill you. They have no comprehension of the danger they are putting you in. So, anything you can do to get traffic to slow, move over, or simply pay attention is worth doing.

[Jay_Pat]

Great ideas!!!!!!!
Pat

[MNGeeks61]

I'll agree that the flashers don't help a lot, the triangles are very handy, and flares too. It still depends on people paying attention.

Matter of fact, when we owned a Rockwood, we had a flat tire coming home from a camping trip. I pulled over as far as I could on I-35W, went to grab a tire iron and someone clipped the trailer with me in it. Yeah, no fun. That day I was sure wishing I had those triangles!

[Homer1]

I have always carried the triangles, just be sure to set them up far enough away from your rig to allow stopping or time for traffic to move over.

[the_bear_II]

I broke down on a city street in my truck one time. Not towing just the truck. I put the flashers on, the hood up and three of the triangles. Most cars went around but a few pulled right up to the triangles as if they thought I would be moving soon. One of these idiots ran over all 3 triangles as he pulled out from behind my truck. I couldn't catch him or get his plate number.

Now with the triangles smashed cars were constantly pulling right up behind my truck. It was a real traffic mess.