Stay safe during breakdowns with our comprehensive roadside safety checklist. Protect yourself, your equipment, and other motorists while ensuring compliance with DOT regulations.
Join 5,000+ drivers using our safety system with zero preventable roadside accidents.
The actions you take in the first minute of a breakdown determine your safety for the entire incident. Follow these critical steps every time.
Statistics show that 72% of roadside fatalities occur within the first 5 minutes of a breakdown. Our checklist, integrated with LOTO procedures, ensures you create a safe zone before any inspection or repair attempts.
A roadside worker is struck
Occur on shoulders
Four-way flashers immediately, before anything else
Exit away from traffic, use passenger side when possible
Get behind barrier or 20+ feet from traffic
Place warning devices: 10ft, 100ft, 200ft behind
Follow this step-by-step checklist to ensure maximum safety during any roadside situation
Correct triangle placement can reduce rear-end collisions by 89% and is required by DOT regulations.
Place triangles at 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet behind vehicle on the traffic side. On curves, place the farthest triangle where oncoming traffic can see it before the curve. Follow standard roadside procedures.
Place triangles at 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet behind vehicle, all on the traffic side. In low visibility, increase distances to 500 feet. Use extra caution during severe weather conditions.
In areas under 40 mph, adjust to 10 feet, 50 feet, and 100 feet. Always face oncoming traffic when placing devices. Wear high-visibility gear at all times.
Place the farthest triangle at a point where drivers have clear sight distance (minimum 500 feet). Never place yourself in blind spots. Consider calling for professional assistance in high-risk locations.
| Road Type | Speed | Triangle Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Highway | >50 mph | 10ft / 100ft / 200ft |
| Rural Road | 40-50 mph | 10ft / 100ft / 200ft |
| Urban | <40 mph | 10ft / 50ft / 100ft |
| Low Visibility | Any | Double all distances |
Count your steps: Average stride = 2.5 feet. 40 steps ≈ 100 feet.
Know who to call and what to say in any roadside emergency
Learn from drivers who used our safety checklist in critical situations
"The 60-second protocol saved my life. A car hit my triangles instead of me. Following the checklist kept me out of harm's way."
15-year veteran driver
"Night breakdown on I-80. Zero visibility. The checklist's triangle placement guide prevented a major pileup. Training works."
Owner-operator, 8 years
"New driver, first breakdown. The app walked me through everything. Stayed calm, stayed safe. Now I train others."
2-year CDL driver
Real answers to questions every driver asks
If traffic makes exit dangerous, stay in your vehicle with seatbelt on, hazards activated. Call 911 immediately for police assistance. Keep doors locked, stay visible, and wait for help. Never attempt to exit into active traffic lanes. If you must exit, use the passenger side away from traffic.
Yes, triangles are even MORE critical in bad weather when visibility is reduced. However, prioritize your safety. If conditions are too dangerous (ice, heavy fog, severe storm), call 911 first and request police assistance with traffic control. Use extreme caution, wear high-visibility gear, and consider doubling the standard distances. Follow severe weather protocols.
Never. Statistics show 'quick fixes' cause 41% of roadside fatalities. Even a 2-minute repair requires full safety protocol. The average vehicle passes a roadside breakdown every 1.7 seconds at highway speeds. Follow complete repair procedures including LOTO protocols. Your life is worth more than saved time.
Not moving far enough from traffic. Drivers often stand right next to their vehicle. You should be at least 20 feet away from traffic lanes, preferably behind a barrier. The second mistake is inadequate visibility - always wear your high-vis vest, even for 'quick checks.' Third is poor triangle placement - they're your first line of defense.
Call for help when: location is unsafe (blind curve, no shoulder, heavy traffic), weather is severe, repair requires traffic-side work, you need special tools per equipment requirements, the issue is beyond your skill level, or you feel unsafe for ANY reason. Professional help is always the right choice when safety is questionable.
Critical guides for roadside safety and emergency response
Discover comprehensive repair guides and resources for efficient fleet maintenance
Join thousands of drivers who've made it home safe using our roadside safety system. Your family is counting on you.
Using our safety system daily
Among system users
Access anywhere, anytime