Michigan Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Practice Exam

How can a driver effectively warn others of a stopped vehicle?

1. Use hand signals to warn approaching drivers

2. Move the rear reflective triangle back if vision is obscured to within 500 feet

3. Leave the vehicle without warning

4. Turn on hazard lights and stay in the vehicle

The correct answer is: Move the rear reflective triangle back if vision is obscured to within 500 feet

The best approach to warn others of a stopped vehicle involves the use of hazard lights and staying in the vehicle, which helps ensure your safety while signaling to oncoming traffic. By turning on hazard lights, a driver effectively communicates that their vehicle is stopped and poses a potential obstruction or danger, alerting other drivers from a distance. In situations where visibility is limited, drivers should also use warning devices such as reflective triangles strategically placed to notify approaching vehicles. While the suggestion about moving the rear reflective triangle is relevant, the ideal practice is typically to position the warning triangles effectively when stopping on the roadside, such as placing it about 200 feet behind the vehicle and 100 feet in front to provide maximum visibility. Conversely, hand signals are not as effective in a professional driving context due to their ambiguity and potential for confusion among drivers. Additionally, leaving the vehicle without a warning places the driver at a higher risk for accidents and does not adequately alert others about the stopped vehicle. Thus, using hazard lights and remaining in the vehicle is the most effective method for ensuring safety and awareness on the road.