Nowadays, drivers must have undergone lots of problems with their cars when driving, and consequently, they may need to pull over safely to change the car tire or make a gas refill. Sometimes, those unpleasant interrupted situations can happen to your vehicles right on the spare suburban roads or busy highways.
No matter what the reason is, stopping a car in the middle of the high-speed routes is extremely dangerous and risky.
Anything can happen with your car on the road, especially when it enters the hard-access paths.
Therefore, to handle these situations, you need to immediately equip yourself with an early warning device for cars. However, not every driver is aware of the existence of this emergency-supporter device, let alone learn to use and manage to purchase a good one.
So what is an early warning device? And how to properly apply the device in needed circumstances to meet the safety and operating requirements? Let's find out with Philtoyota.com right away!
New drivers should know that the early warning device (EWD) is a safety tool used when you make an emergency car stop. According to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) of the Philippines, it can be seen as the safety net with neon-light visibility that can signal other drivers joining transportation.
The outlook of the typical warning device
Early warning devices appear in a pair of plastic triangular that can light up thanks to the reflective plastic materials. Moreover, they always go in pairs: one yellow comes with one red.
To ensure optimal visibility, you should place the EWD's red triangle around six meters from the car to inform the danger - you pulling over or being a fixed vehicle. Specifically, the other yellow should be placed approximately 6 meters from the red one to warn other motorists about hazards ahead.
The distance between the EWD's red and the yellow lighted triangle should be stretched out on the highway as cars commonly drive faster in a larger vision. Moreover, it's compulsory to place your EWDs slightly backward, 5 to 10 degrees perpendicular to the road's surface. Doing this will help the EWDs receive the light coming from other cars at its reflectorized sides.
Remember not to place the two side by side; otherwise, you will purely destroy the purpose of EWD of having different colors.
An EWD in an emergency can not only warn other drivers that your car is unintentionally considered as an unexpected peril on the road but also prevents the risks of causing other accidents by hazardous objects that you have bypassed. These dangerous objects can be a giant dead animal, a collision or a landslide, etc.
Moreover, carrying and placing an EWD is the responsibility of drivers as according to the LTO, it is an essential and required safety car equipment for all Filippino drivers.
>>> Further references: Complete List of LTO Fines and Penalties in the Philippines
According to the Philippines' Land Transportation Office notices, it is mandatory to equip an EWD in your car.
If you're found driving without a pair of EWD, you will be fined PHP 500 for the first time. For the second time, your license will be confiscated until you can show the evidence of owning an EWD in hand. Lastly, if the polices impounded your vehicle and found no EWDs, then you can not regain your car until bringing the officers a pair of EWD.
You must have seen many careless drivers who persist in using their damaged EWD or don't follow the EWDs requirement. Some even utilize useless things such as rocks or tree branches, which cannot provide visibility.
According to guidelines released by the LTO, the qualified early warning device must follow these specs:
The EWD should be seen even in adverse weather
>>> More LTO's updated Traffic rules and regulations notices in the Philippines!
In the market, an EWD is quite affordable and also easy to find in any car accessory or hardware store. We will now give you the overall early warning device price and some advice on top products that you may be interested in!
Price: PHP 125
The EWD coming from Bose Car Accessories owns a unique design. It shines in yellow and comes in 45.5cm H x 43cm L x 5cm W, including its stand.
Early Warning Device Reflective Triangle Signage High Degree in Visibility
Price: PHP 199
The DEFLECTOR EWD has received tons of positive feedback from customers thanks to its affordability and efficiency. The device also illuminates satisfaction with high visibility during both day-time and night-time.
DEFLECTOR Early Warning Device
Price: PHP 450
This high-quality EWD comes with an LTO required sticker. The device comes in 45.5 cm H x 43cm L x 5cm W, including a stand.
Early Warning Device (Heavy-duty) with sticker
Price: PHP 539
This EWD comes equipped with super bright LEDs that can serve not only for cars but also for outdoor activities like camping. The device consists of a charging port and can illuminate up to 500 lumens.
Multi-Function Work Light Car Early Warning Device Triangle Sign
5. Early Warning Device Reflectorized Triangles with Unique Exclamation Point
Price: PHP 770
This is a high-quality EWD with an exclusive and sleek design. However, it's quite expensive compared with other devices.
Early Warning Device Reflectorized Triangles with Unique Exclamation Point
As you know, the early warning device is crucial for any car, and it is not even time-consuming and costly to get one EWD for your own. So, spend a little time finding and buying an EWD, as well as following the guidelines and fixed rules when placing an EWD on the road to ensure the full-safety for you and other drivers.
We hope that our in-depth guide of early warning devices for cars is helpful for you to some extent. Stay tuned, drive safely, and see you in our next article!
>>> Don't forget to bookmark our Toyota Stories to get more helpful car equipment tips and updated LTO/car news.
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