The Good and Bad of Emergency Triangles

Statistics suggest that every day more than 3000 people die in motor vehicle crashes worldwide and the number of people left disabled or injured is skyrocketing every year. But, in 30% of the accident cases the primary crash is not responsible for the tragic deaths, the ignorance of the people involved is.

The sad thing is that as much as random car accidents lead to serious injuries and sometimes even death, simple road side mishaps like a car breakdown may give rise to a grave situation as well. This is the reason why preventative road safety measures are important.

Now, what constitutes road safety measures?

• Up-to-date servicing of vehicle: Oil, water, tire, spare tire.
• A well stocked first aid kit: bandages, plaster strips, cotton wool, antiseptic, disinfectant, etc.
• A preventative road safety kit: torch, jumper cable, tows rope, etc.
• Learn how NOT to panic if you are a victim of a roadside mishap or accident.

While all the above mentioned supplies and techniques will ensure your safety in case of an emergency, one of the most important aspects of road safety is hazard signs. These signs symbolize impending danger in close vicinity and are used to warn passerby vehicles of car crashes or breakdowns ahead.

There is a variety of hazard signs available in the market. Few of the popular ones are emergency warning triangles, emergency flashes and the likes.

These emergency triangles usually come in bright orange or red color along with a fluorescent coating ensuring maximum visibility in poorly lit roads. They come in a collapsible form so that they take up minimum space in your car or in a non-collapsible form with a swivel leg so that you can place them anywhere you want.

The advantages of carrying such a warning sign in the glove compartment of your car are numerous. To mention a few:

• They ensure you and your car are safe in case of a breakdown in a dimly lit road.
• They can help you avoid serious injuries or even death due to secondary car crash.
• They are economical.
• They are easily available
• In some countries like South Africa it is mandatory that you carry one with you in your car at all times.

But, there are a few disadvantages too:

• These triangles might not be visible from a distance on a foggy night.
• On expressways or high speed roads placing such a hazard sign might be dangerous for the speeding vehicles.
• If the triangles are not brightly colored and fluorescent, they might not be visible in dimly lit roads.

But, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages to a great extent. So, it is only logical to get one or more emergency triangles for you and your family members. The basic rule of using such a hazard sign is to place one each at the rear end and the traffic facing side of your vehicle but, 100 meters away from the body of your vehicle.

So, if you get into a road accident the first thing you should do is call for help the second thing to do if you are in comparatively unscathed state is to set up hazard signs around the crash site so that no other vehicle falls prey to another accident. Or if your smooth sailing car breaks down in the middle of the road out of nowhere, again the first thing to do is to call for your emergency car service provider, the next thing to do is setting up hazard signs so that other vehicles passing by you are aware of your presence and can avoid collision.

Accidents happen, cars break down but, you don’t have to be a victim of secondary damages only if you are a little more careful and prepared for such a situation.

As per the government regulation, every vehicle in South Africa must have an emergency warning triangle in it. This needs to be kept for the safety.