What is the purpose of reflective triangles?

Reflective triangles are a crucial safety tool used to provide visibility for stopped vehicles on the road. When a driver becomes stranded or has to stop on the side of the road, especially on busy highways or during low-lit conditions, placing reflective triangles helps alert approaching vehicles of the potential hazard. These triangles are designed to catch the light from headlights, making them visible from a distance.

By ensuring that other drivers are aware of a stationary vehicle, reflective triangles significantly reduce the risk of collisions. This is particularly important for commercial drivers, who may be operating larger, less maneuverable vehicles that could pose a greater risk if an oncoming vehicle does not see them in time.

The other options focus on different aspects of roadway safety: marking construction zones, signaling for path clearance, and indicating speed limits all serve important functions but are not the primary purpose of reflective triangles. The emphasis of reflective triangles is squarely on safety and visibility for vehicles that are stopped unexpectedly on the road.