Do's and Don'ts after dark

Pull your vehicle off the main highway as far as possible. If there is a shoulder, use it.

Turn on emergency flashers if you have them. If not, leave your headlights on low beam and turn on your right turn signal. Put up the hood of the car. Place flares or reflectors at 10 feet and at least 300 feet behind your vehicle on the right edge of the main roadway. This will warn oncoming traffic where your vehicle is parked.

If possible stay with vehicle until help comes, especially if you are on interstate freeway. The state patrol monitors freeways with more frequency and a patrol car will be along at regular intervals.

If you must leave your vehicle, carry a flashlight or Orion lightstick. Walk on the left-hand side of the road or left shoulder, facing traffic. Never leave your vehicle and walk on the traveled portion of the freeway. This is not only very dangerous, it's illegal!

Tie a white cloth to the radio antenna or a door handle. Make sure it is clearly visible. Use emergency flares if you have them.

The highway flares, white cloth and flashers are all distress signals which will let law enforcement officers know that you need help. Officers seeing a car parked on the freeway may ticket the vehicle if it is stopped for any reason other than an emergency. In case of an emergency where you cannot drive your vehicle to the nearest exit ramp, you must park on the shoulder.

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