Notice a white towel on your car? Don't ignore this warning sign.

A white towel hanging from a car mirror or antenna may seem like a random sight, but it actually conveys a specific message. During the holiday season, when many Poles travel abroad, it's worth knowing that in some countries, such a symbol holds special significance.

In Europe, this "white flag" is not a common phenomenon, but in the United States, it signals an unusual driving situation. For example, in North Carolina, this advice appears in the North Carolina Driver Handbook.

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It's not always a towel; it could just as easily be a white piece of fabric, like a T-shirt, that serves as a visible signal. It's also worth knowing that the color itself isn't a coincidence.

A white sign displayed indicates that a vehicle has experienced a technical breakdown and has been temporarily abandoned on the side of the road. This sign also reassures passing drivers and emergency services by informing them that all occupants have exited the vehicle and do not require medical attention .

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This approach is especially effective where roads are long and help may not arrive immediately. A driver who must abandon their vehicle and go for assistance themselves lets the emergency services know the situation is under control. This lets the emergency services know there's no need to immediately tow the vehicle or take other action.

The choice of white material as a signaling device is not accidental. White is highly visible from a distance (both during the day and at night), making it ideal for conveying simple traffic messages. Unlike dark colors, which can blend in or be ignored, white is associated with safety. It also more easily attracts attention and is interpreted as a message rather than a random piece of clothing.

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It's also worth keeping in mind local regulations. According to Interia, the practice of hanging white material on the mirror occurs in states where warning triangles are not mandatory. In such places, drivers are forced to use alternative signaling methods.

Unlike in the United States, hanging a white cloth over a vehicle's mirror is not common in Poland. Such a sign can be misinterpreted .

In the event of a breakdown, it's definitely safer and in accordance with applicable regulations to set up a warning triangle and turn on your hazard warning lights . These are the basic measures to inform other road users about a disabled vehicle. It's also standard practice to notify the appropriate authorities or your insurer and wait for a tow truck to arrive.

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How far away should the warning triangle be placed? On a highway or expressway, the warning triangle should be placed at least 100 meters behind the vehicle, and outside built-up areas, between 30 and 50 meters. In built-up areas, regulations do not specify a specific distance, but it is recommended to place the warning triangle directly behind the vehicle.