4. Alert other motorists. Make sure your vehicle is visible to other motorists. Remember they're traveling at a high rate of speed and must be able to see your vehicle from a great distance to stop or move to another lane.
- Turn on the emergency flashers, especially at night or during inclement weather.
- Raise your vehicle's hood and tie a brightly colored handkerchief or scarf to the antenna or door handle. You also can hold the handkerchief or scarf in place by closing a window on it.
- Place flares or warning triangles to direct oncoming traffic away from your vehicle. If you are experiencing a gas leak or smell gas fumes, do not ignite flares or use anything with a flame. Extinguish any lit cigarettes. As a rule of thumb, place the first flare or triangle 10 feet directly behind the side of the vehicle closest to the road. Place the second device 100 feet directly behind the vehicle lined up with the middle of the bumper. Position the third device behind the vehicle's right side - 100 feet if on an undivided highway, 300 feet if on a divided highway.
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