What to do
In the event of an emergency stop, it is recommended to stop in a safe location away from the carriageway, where possible, and make the vehicle visible to traffic.
Use the reflective emergency warning triangle and turn ON the vehicle position lamps or hazard lights.
If these cannot be turned ON, the reflective triangle must be placed in a stable position at least 30 metres from the rear of the vehicle.
An emergency stop in conditions of poor visibility, and the possible performance of operations such as changing a tire, can expose persons to serious risks.
In this case, it is essential to stop as far as possible from the transit lanes and to increase the visibility of the vehicle and passengers using all possible and available means: also turn on the rear fog lights and headlights, as well as the emergency lights.
On some vehicles these lights are on the rear boot/tailgate which, if left open after taking out the spare wheel, makes them invisible: remember to always close the tailgate after it has been opened.
Even those who perform emergency operations must make themselves as visible as possible, wearing – as prescribed by the Highway Code – a high visibility jacket or suspenders; during all operations, it is important to keep an eye on the vehicles that pass on the road, in order to anticipate possible dangerous situations and avoid them.
In the event of an emergency stop on the shoulder of the carriageway, especially in conditions of poor visibility, it is advisable for the occupants to leave the vehicle and position themselves as close as possible to the far right edge of the shoulder, to avoid potential collisions with the incoming vehicles.