On a hill or curve, where should reflective triangles be placed?

On a hill or curve, where should reflective triangles be placed?

• A. 10 feet behind, 100 feet behind and 200-500 feet behind
• B. 10 feet in front, 100 feet in front and 50 feet behind
• C. 50 feet behind, 100 feet behind and 100 feet in front
• D. 10 feet behind, 100 feet behind and 100 feet in front

Answer: (A)

On a hill or curve you need a longer warning distance so approaching drivers have time to react. Reflective triangles should be placed behind the disabled vehicle to mark the hazard as traffic approaches from the rear. The first triangle goes about 10 feet behind to alert traffic immediately behind you. The second should be roughly 100 feet behind to provide a mid-distance warning. The third is placed far behind, typically 200 to 500 feet, to account for limited sight distance on curves or crests and give drivers enough advance notice to slow or stop safely. Placing a triangle in front would not warn oncoming traffic from behind, and a 50-foot or only a 100-foot rear placement wouldn’t provide the necessary warning distance on hills or curves.

On a hill or curve you need a longer warning distance so approaching drivers have time to react. Reflective triangles should be placed behind the disabled vehicle to mark the hazard as traffic approaches from the rear. The first triangle goes about 10 feet behind to alert traffic immediately behind you. The second should be roughly 100 feet behind to provide a mid-distance warning. The third is placed far behind, typically 200 to 500 feet, to account for limited sight distance on curves or crests and give drivers enough advance notice to slow or stop safely. Placing a triangle in front would not warn oncoming traffic from behind, and a 50-foot or only a 100-foot rear placement wouldn’t provide the necessary warning distance on hills or curves.