3 Golden Rules for Safe Highway Stops to Avoid Rear Collisions

When faced with an emergency on the highway, pulling over and parking your vehicle can be a risky endeavor if drivers do not adhere to the following rules and guidelines.

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Only Stop in the Emergency Lane

When driving on expressways and encountering vehicle breakdowns or collisions, drivers should promptly move their vehicles into the emergency stopping lane.

The emergency lane is designed to allow vehicles experiencing problems to pull over and stop without disrupting traffic flow. It is located on the far right side of the road and is marked by a continuous white line that is 1.2 meters wide.


The emergency stopping lane is on the far right, separated by a continuous white line.

When moving into the emergency lane, drivers should be cautious of other vehicles and activate their turn signals to alert them, allowing them to slow down or give way. This helps ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

Turn on Your Hazard Lights

Once your vehicle is safely in the emergency lane, immediately turn on your hazard lights—these are the flashing amber lights on your car. This will warn other drivers that your vehicle is experiencing problems.


The hazard light button is usually located on the center console or near the steering wheel.

Additionally, if you have a reflective triangle, place it behind your vehicle at a distance specified in the QCVN 41:2019/BGTVT regulations. Specifically, if your vehicle’s average operating speed is 50 km/h or higher, the distance from the warning sign to the vehicle in distress should be between 150 and 250 meters.

Keep Passengers Off the Expressway

After stopping, ensure that all passengers who are not directly involved with the vehicle issue exit the expressway and stand well behind the guardrail to avoid any potential accidents.


Improperly parked vehicles on the expressway can lead to unfortunate accidents.

Drivers should also be mindful of their surroundings and avoid stopping at blind spots or curves. Instead, opt for straight stretches of the road with good visibility to make it easier for other vehicles to spot your car.

By following these safety guidelines, drivers can help minimize the risk of accidents when stopping on expressways to handle emergencies. Stay safe out there!

Drive safely, and stay cautious!

 

According to VTC News

Frequently asked questions

First, plan ahead and only stop at designated rest areas or parking lots. Second, always use your turn signals when changing lanes or merging, and ensure you leave enough space in front of your vehicle. Third, be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your mirrors to anticipate any potential rear-end hazards.

Stopping on the side of a highway can be extremely dangerous due to fast-moving traffic. Designated rest areas and parking lots are designed for safe stopping, providing a much lower risk of rear-end collisions.

Using turn signals is essential for communicating your intentions to other drivers, allowing them to anticipate your movements and adjust their speed or position accordingly. This simple action can help prevent abrupt lane changes or merges that may catch other drivers off guard and lead to rear-end accidents.

Leaving a sufficient space cushion in front of your vehicle gives you more time to react and stop if the traffic ahead suddenly slows down or comes to a halt. Regularly checking your mirrors helps you monitor the traffic behind you, allowing you to be aware of potential rear-end hazards and take evasive action if necessary.
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