Chapter 8 · Lesson 9 of 11
Traffic-stop safety
4 min read · Accidents and Emergency Situations
Explanation
Pull onto the right-side shoulder, not the center median or the opposite side of a two-lane road. If no safe place is immediately available, slow down, turn on the hazard lights and continue to the next safe location. Stop in a well-lit area when possible, as far off the road as possible; at night, turn on the interior light.
End phone calls, turn off the radio and remain inside unless the officer directs otherwise. Keep every occupant’s hands visible: the driver’s on the steering wheel and passengers’ on their laps. If windows are tinted, roll them down after stopping and before the officer approaches.
Example
The shoulder is too narrow. You slow down, turn on the hazards and continue a short distance to a lighted, wide shoulder. After stopping, you switch on the interior light and keep your hands on the wheel.
Common mistake
Stopping in a center median. The manual warns that this can expose both driver and officer to oncoming traffic.
What the manual says
Move your vehicle to the right-side shoulder of the road.
Remain inside your vehicle unless otherwise directed by the officer.
Sources
- Manual p. 61
“Move your vehicle to the right-side shoulder of the road.”
- Manual p. 61
“If you cannot find a safe place immediately, slow down and turn on hazard lights.”
- Manual p. 61
“Stop in a well-lit area when possible.”
- Manual p. 61
“Remain inside your vehicle unless otherwise directed by the officer.”
- Manual p. 61
“The driver and all passengers should place their hands in clear view.”
Check your understanding
Question 1 of 3