Roadside Emergencies
Here’s some information we hope you don’t ever have to use because it regards roadside emergencies.
Unfortunately, most drivers experience a roadside breakdown, or an accident, requiring that lawful procedures are followed.
All CMV operators know they must carry emergency triangles or flares in case of emergency. Regulations require you position your emergency triangles within 10 minutes of pulling onto the shoulder, if able to. There are three different procedures.
If you are broken down on a two-lane road or highway:
- Position a triangle or flare 100 feet in front of your truck.
- Position one 10 feet behind your truck and another one 100 feet behind your truck.
On a divided highway the placements are all behind your truck and should be 10 feet, directly behind the left tires, 100 feet, in the center of the shoulder, and at 200 feet on the edge of the shoulder. You can put them in a straight line at those intervals, but it is better to position them as described above, thus creating a sense of merging around your truck.
Third, if you are on the shoulder because you’ve been in an accident, the procedures are more in depth:
- First, secure the area and call 911.
- If anyone needs immediate attention, attempt to assist.
- Put your emergency triangles out as soon as you safely can.
- Call your terminal as soon as you can.
- When the police arrive, you will be questioned. You should cooperate with the police but do not admit any fault. Describe what happened to the best of your ability.
- Offer your dashcam video as evidence of your innocence.
- Complete the accident report form from within your red folder, scan it in and send it to your terminal.
- Consider going to a clinic for a post-accident drug and alcohol test to provide evidence you were not under the influence of anything.
You may be escorted to a hospital or clinic for a drug and alcohol test, depending on the severity of the accident. But you can go on your own, so you have a negative result in case you’re found at fault.
Happy trails,
Brian M.
