When placing flares around a truck, how should they be positioned?

Positioning flares correctly around a truck is vital for ensuring safety and visibility in roadside emergencies. Flares are used to alert oncoming traffic to the presence of a stopped or disabled vehicle, effectively preventing accidents.

The best approach is to place one flare directly beside the truck to signal immediate danger and two additional flares at a distance of 100 feet in front and behind the vehicle. This configuration creates a clear visual warning for drivers approaching from both directions. The flare next to the truck warns people who are very close to the vehicle, while the flares placed 100 feet away give warning to drivers further down the road, allowing them ample time to react.

In contrast, having two flares beside the truck while placing one 100 feet ahead does not provide adequate warning for oncoming traffic from behind. Similarly, placing all three flares behind the vehicle would only alert traffic approaching from that direction and completely disregard the safety of drivers coming from the front. Therefore, the positioning outlined in the correct answer maximizes visibility and enhances road safety for all approaching vehicles.