Emergency lane

What to do

In the event of an emergency stop, it is best to stop, if possible, in a safe place, off the roadway, indicating the vehicle and still making it visible.

To signal obstruction, the triangle must be used during the day and the sidelights or emergency lights at night.

If these do not work, the appropriate sign (the triangle) should be placed in a stable position at least 30 meters from the rear of the vehicle.

Emergency stopping in poor visibility conditions, and therefore performing operations such as changing a tire, can expose you to serious risks.

In this case, it is essential to stop as far as possible from the traffic lanes and to enhance the visibility of the vehicle and of the people with all possible means available: also turn on the rear fog lights and the front lights, as well as the emergency lights.

On some vehicles these lights are on the tailgate; if it is left open after removing the spare wheel, for example, the vehicle will not be visible to others. Remember to always close the tailgate.

Those carrying out emergency operations must also make themselves as visible as possible, wearing – as prescribed by the Highway Code – a high-visibility vest or suspenders; during all operations, it is also important to keep an eye on the vehicles coming along the carriageway, in order to anticipate in advance possible dangerous situations and try to avoid them.

In case of an emergency stop at the side of the roadway, and especially in conditions of poor visibility, it is advisable that the occupants get out of the vehicle and place themselves as far as possible on the right side of the carriageway, to avoid potential collisions with oncoming vehicles.