2006-07-27 14:31:48 · 6 answers · asked by george b 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
Hanging something, preferably white, outside of the vehicle is a visible sign of distress and need for help or assistance to attract the attention of a passing patrolman or police officer.
2006-07-27 14:36:53 · answer #1 · answered by J.D. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are driving down the highway when suddenly you have car trouble. The National Safety Council suggests the following measures when your car breaks down or has a flat tire on the highway.
At the first sign of car trouble, gently and smoothly take your foot off the accelerator. Do not brake hard or suddenly. Carefully work your vehicle toward the breakdown lane or the side of the road. If you are on an interstate, try to reach an exit. Signal your intentions to drivers behind you. If it is necessary to change lanes, watch your mirrors and the traffic around you closely.
Once off the road, make your car visible. Put reflectorized triangles behind your vehicle to alert other drivers; use your emergency flashers. If it is dark, turn on the interior dome light.
When you have a flat tire, be certain that you can change it safely without being close to traffic. If that is possible, change the tire as you normally would. Remember, safety must take precedence over your schedule or whatever other concerns you may have.
However, when the car is beyond repair, it is best to get professional help. Do not try to flag down other vehicles. Raise your hood and tie something white to the radio antenna or hang it out a window so police officers or tow truck operators will know help is needed. Don't stand behind or next to your vehicle. If the car is in the roadway, stand away from the vehicle and wait for help to arrive.
2006-07-27 14:35:29 · answer #2 · answered by DanE 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reason people do this is to alert the police that they will be back for it ,,other wise the police or sheriffs department will ticket them ,,and have them towed away,,then you have to pay a tow bill plus a repair bill,,if you have something hanging in the window,,there supposed to give you 24 hours to get it moved ,,after that they can still put a tow away sticker on it,,i hope this help,s,,i used to have to tow these for a living.
2006-07-27 14:39:42 · answer #3 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a signal that the car has broken down and driver needs help or has gone to seek help. Kind of a caution flag.
2006-07-28 01:17:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they hot and sweaty and gotta hang it out to dry... actually it helps make it more visible and helps alert police
2006-07-27 20:00:24 · answer #5 · answered by ragsdalemb 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
never seen that
2006-07-27 14:36:23 · answer #6 · answered by a 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋