Commercial Driver Handbook ( PDF ) - California Department of ...

If you must stop on the road or the shoulder of
a road, put out your reflective triangles within
ten minutes. Place your warning devices at the
following locations:
• On a two-lane road with traffic in both
directions or on an undivided highway, place
warning devices within ten feet of the front or
rear corners to mark the location of the vehicle
and 100 feet behind and ahead of the vehicle,
on the shoulder or in the lane in which you
stopped. (Figure 2-5)
• On the traffic side of the vehicle, within ten
feet of the front or rear corners, to mark the
location of the vehicle. (Figure 2-5)
• About 100 feet behind and ahead of the
vehicle, on the shoulder or in the lane you are
in. (Figure 2-6)
• Back beyond any hill, curve, or other obstruction
that prevents other drivers from seeing the
vehicle within 500 feet. (Figure 2-6)
• If you must stop on or by a one-way or divided
highway, place warning devices 10 feet, 100
feet, and 200 feet toward the approaching
traffic. (Figure 2-7)
Carry the triangles with the reflective side toward
the oncoming traffic when placing them, for your
own safety. The other drivers will be able to see you.
Use your horn only when needed. Your horn can
let others know you are there and can help avoid
a collision. However, it can also startle others and
could be dangerous if used unnecessarily.
cOntROllIng SPeeD
Driving too fast is a major cause of fatal collisions.
You must adjust your speed depending on
several conditions which include: traction, curves,
visibility, traffic, and hills.
speed and stopping distanCes
There are three things that add up to total stopping
distance: Perception Distance + Reaction Distance
+ Braking Distance = Total Stopping Distance.
• Perception distance. This is the distance
your vehicle moves from the time your eyes
see a hazard until your brain knows it. The
emergenCy Warning deviCe plaCement
Figure 2-5 Two Lane or Undivided Highway
HILL
CURVE
General Rule:
If line of sight is obstructed due to hill or
curve, move the rear triangle back down the
road, so adequate warning is given.
Figure 2-6 Obstructed View
Figure 2-7 One way or Divided Highway
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