North Carolina DMV Practice Test

If you experience a breakdown on an interstate highway, what should you do?

1. Raise the hood and tie a white handkerchief to the left door handle

2. Stay inside your car and call for help

3. Turn on your hazard lights and wait

4. Push your car to the nearest exit

The correct answer is: Raise the hood and tie a white handkerchief to the left door handle

Raising the hood of your vehicle and tying a white handkerchief to the left door handle is a recognized method for signaling distress and indicating that your car is disabled. This action serves multiple purposes: it makes your vehicle more visible to other drivers, alerting them to the fact that you are not simply stopped but are in need of assistance. The white handkerchief specifically conveys a message of help, which can prompt other motorists or emergency services to stop and offer aid. Additionally, displaying a distress signal like a raised hood can also enhance safety by ensuring that passersby are aware of your inability to move your vehicle, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents. It's important to follow proper protocols when stranded on an interstate to not only ensure your own safety but also to communicate effectively with others who might be able to assist.