Final answer:
Place warnings such as turning on headlights or using hazard lights and reflective triangles behind the car when stopped beyond a hill, curve, or obstruction. Use the headlights to check visibility at night, and calculate stopping distance at a given speed for safety reference when crossing roads.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a vehicle is stopped beyond a hill, curve, or other obstruction that prevents other drivers from seeing it within 500 feet, it is important for the safety of all road users to place warnings to alert oncoming traffic. One way to ensure visibility is by turning on the headlights on your car, especially during times of low visibility such as dusk or dawn. However, you should never look directly at very bright lights to avoid damage to your eyesight.
To establish a safe distance when stopped, use the distance of your headlights reach at night as a reference. For example, if you can see the headlights reflecting on a surface or object, that is an indication that your position is visible to others. Additional warnings like hazard lights or reflective triangles can also be placed behind your car to increase visibility.
If you need to assess whether it's safe to cross a road, consider the speed and distance of oncoming cars. A critical detail is the stopping distance, which can be tested by driving at a certain speed (like 50 mph) and then applying the brakes until the car stops. Record the distance and use it as a point of reference. For example, if it took 100 feet to stop at 50 mph, ensure oncoming cars are well beyond that distance before crossing.
Lastly, when determining a safe distance from oncoming traffic, think in terms of car-lengths. A car-length is roughly 15 to 20 feet, so if safe crossing requires a gap of 100 feet, you would look for a gap of approximately 5-7 car-lengths before crossing.