If a commercial vehicle becomes disabled on the highway during a time when lights are required, where should flares or reflectors be placed?

In the event that a commercial vehicle becomes disabled on the highway, it's crucial for safety and visibility that flares or reflectors are placed properly to warn other drivers. The correct practice is to position flares or reflectors at a distance of 30 metres from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This distance provides ample warning to oncoming traffic, allowing drivers sufficient time to react and change lanes or slow down, thus reducing the risk of a collision.

Placing the warning devices at this distance helps to create a clear visual alert that indicates not only the presence of a disabled vehicle but also its position on the road. This is particularly important on high-speed highways where visibility may be limited, ensuring that drivers have adequate time to notice the hazard well in advance. In contrast, other placement options might not provide enough warning, putting both the disabled vehicle and other road users at greater risk.