USAREUR Practice Exam

What should be done if a vehicle breaks down on the autobahn?

1. Move the vehicle off the road

2. Turn on the hazard lights and wait for assistance

3. Set up warning triangles as specified

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

When a vehicle breaks down on the autobahn, several key actions must take place to ensure the safety of the occupants and other road users. Moving the vehicle off the road is crucial to avoid obstructing traffic and to minimize the risk of accidents. If the vehicle can be safely maneuvered to the shoulder or an emergency lane, this action should be taken immediately. It helps in maintaining a clear flow of traffic and protects the driver and passengers from potential dangers associated with being on the road. Turning on hazard lights is an important safety measure that signals to other drivers that there is an issue, alerting them to slow down or maneuver around the vehicle. This visibility is critical, especially on high-speed roadways like the autobahn. Setting up warning triangles is also a requirement. According to traffic regulations, these should be positioned at an appropriate distance behind the vehicle to warn oncoming traffic of the hazard, allowing other drivers adequate time to react and avoid a collision. The combination of these actions—moving off the roadway, turning on hazard lights, and utilizing warning triangles—ensures a comprehensive safety protocol is followed when a breakdown occurs. Hence, the best course of action in such a scenario encompasses all these steps.