When should a driver use their reflective triangles?

Using reflective triangles is essential for safety when a vehicle is disabled on the roadway. Setting up reflective triangles helps alert other drivers of the stopped vehicle's presence, especially in low-light conditions or adverse weather, which can prevent accidents. The triangles should be positioned to give adequate warning to approaching vehicles, typically placed at specified intervals behind the disabled vehicle.

When a vehicle is simply stopped for a meal break or driving through a construction zone, the use of reflective triangles is not necessary since these scenarios do not typically involve any hazardous condition that would require additional warning to other drivers. Additionally, reflective triangles are not used only during daylight hours; they should be deployed in any situation where a vehicle may pose a risk to other road users, regardless of the time of day.