Drivers should always be vigilant when sharing the road with semi-trucks. But the potential for a crash is also high when these huge trucks are on the shoulder or side of the road. In the dark or under poor visibility, an unsuspecting driver could drive straight into the back of a stopped semi-truck if it doesn’t display proper warnings, like hazard flashers and emergency triangles or flares.
Semi-truck safety is an essential component of commercial vehicle compliance. Federal highway regulations require emergency trucking equipment, which includes hazard warning devices like triangle reflectors. Emergency triangles and other roadside safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of collisions, injuries, and loss of life.
How to Set up Emergency Triangles
It takes only a few moments to set up triangle reflectors properly. Here are the steps:
- Park the semi-truck on the side of the road away from traffic.
- Turn on the vehicle’s hazard lights.
- Place one emergency triangle behind the vehicle, close to the truck. The exact placement will vary based on the type of road.
- Ensure the triangle’s base is flat on the ground, with reflectors facing oncoming traffic.
How Far Apart Should You Place Reflective Triangles?
Drivers should be able to see the reflective triangles from a distance that allows them to change lanes or slow down. The distance between triangles largely depends on the nature of the road:
- On a straight, flat highway, the driver should place the reflective triangles at intervals of 10 feet, 100 feet from the vehicle’s rear. Place an emergency triangle 100 feet in front of the vehicle on a two-way street or if traffic will view the truck from the front.
- For trucks parked near a curve, hill, or any obstruction, the driver should place the triangles at varying distances to be visible to other drivers, alerting them well in advance to take evasive action if necessary.
How Many Reflective Triangles Should You Carry in Your Truck?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has specific commercial vehicle compliance regulations regarding emergency triangles. Semi-trucks must carry a minimum of three triangle reflectors, but drivers may have more if they wish. Emergency triangles should be readily available and placed within 10 minutes of stopping.
Liability for Crashes Due to Improper Use of Warning Triangles
If a semi-truck driver fails to set up emergency triangles properly, and a collision results, you might have grounds for legal action.
Stopped or parked trucks on a highway or road must have warning signals, like emergency triangles, to alert drivers. When the driver fails to take these protective measures, the driver, their employer, or other responsible parties could be liable for a resulting crash.
Accident victims might recover money for losses such as:
- Medical care, including emergency services
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Get Help from Our Truck Accident Lawyers
If improper semi-truck safety measures led to an accident that injured you, you may have the right to pursue compensation. An experienced truck accident lawyer with Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC can help you navigate the complexities of seeking money for medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering, and other accident-related losses.
Our award-winning Indianapolis law firm focuses on helping injured people seek justice after they were injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by someone else’s wrongdoing. You have a limited time to pursue legal action after a semi-truck accident, so contact Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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