The Importance of the Car Safety Triangle Function for Safety
22 February, 2024
When experiencing an emergency, you often see a safety triangle sign installed behind cars on the road. It is very important to signal to other drivers around you. Especially if the car stops on the shoulder in the middle of the road.
The presence of a safety triangle can be a sign that the car is in an emergency and must stop. This car stopping could occur due to damage.
Even though it is quite often seen in cases of cars breaking down, not many people understand the actual function of the safety triangle. Apart from that, this safety triangle must be installed because it has a legal basis that regulates it.
In order not to be mistaken in using this safety triangle, it is better to read the review below to better understand its use. The following is a review of the safety triangle, starting from its meaning, function, and legal basis.
Understanding the Car Safety Triangle
A safety triangle is a road safety device used to warn drivers of other vehicles that a vehicle has broken down or stopped on the road.
Generally, these triangles are placed on the road behind a stopped or broken-down vehicle to alert other drivers of the vehicle’s presence. In addition, safety triangles have bright colors such as red or orange and are made of weather-resistant and durable materials. This is an important part of efforts to maintain driver safety and reduce the risk of accidents on the road.
Car Safety Triangle Function
The function of the safety triangle is to make other drivers take necessary precautions, such as reducing speed, slowing down the vehicle, or avoiding a series of fatal collisions. Like what happens in a toll road area, where cars generally travel at high speed.
This function also applies in many countries. Traffic regulations in various countries also require the use of safety triangles when drivers stop the car on the road in an emergency.
Rules for Using the Safety Triangle
The legal basis governing this safety triangle is stated in Article 12 Paragraph 2 of Decree of the Minister of Transportation Number 72 of 1993, namely:
- It has the shape of an equilateral triangle, is made of material that does not rust easily, has a side length of 0.40 meters and a width of 0.05 meters, and is red in color with a hollow inside.
- The red color must reflect light when exposed to light.
The use of this car safety triangle is regulated in Article 57, paragraph 3, letter C, of Law Number 22 of 2009. When installing it, this safety triangle must be placed at the front and rear of a stopped vehicle.
In article 121 of Law No. 22/2009, every motorized vehicle driver is required to install a safety triangle, hazard warning lights, or other signals when stopping or parking in an emergency.
However, this rule does not actually apply to motorcycles without a carriage or side bed. This means that the hazard light or danger signal feature is not actually needed.
Every person who drives a motorized vehicle and does not install the safety triangle and signal lights will be subject to a maximum imprisonment of two months or a maximum fine of IDR 500,000. This rule is regulated in Article 298.
If you don’t bring a safety triangle for car drivers, you will be sentenced to imprisonment for a maximum of one month or pay a fine of IDR 250,000. This penalty is contained in Article 278 of the same law.
How to Install a Car Safety Triangle
During installation, this safety triangle must be placed on the road surface at the front and rear of the vehicle. The triangle must be a minimum of 4 meters from the car’s stopping position, and the distance from the side of the car must not be more than 40 cm. The installation of a safety triangle can be further away if you see the flow of vehicles on the road.
Car Safety Triangles Can’t Be Replaced With Other Items
In practice, when an emergency situation occurs, sometimes people don’t bring a car safety triangle. So sometimes you end up using other items as emergency signals on the road.
Objects that are widely used are tree branches, stones, old tires, and other signs of various items. However, this method is not justified because it definitely violates the rules stated above in the law.
Therefore, it is very important to complete your driving equipment by having a safety triangle in the car. That way, when an emergency occurs, the driver doesn’t need to be confused about giving signals to other drivers on the road.
That is a review of the car safety triangle, starting from the meaning, function, and legal basis that regulate it. It is very important for drivers to always check the condition of their cars regularly to avoid emergencies such as breaking down while driving.
It is no less important to always carry safety equipment, such as a first aid kit and a safety triangle, to provide emergency signals to other road users. Always prioritize safety while driving!
