If your vehicle has broken down on an interstate highway, how should you signal for assistance?

Raising the hood of your vehicle and placing a white cloth on the antenna is a recognized signal for assistance when your vehicle has broken down on an interstate highway. This method clearly indicates to passing motorists and potential responders that you are in need of help. The raised hood signals that there is a mechanical problem, while the white cloth acts as an attention-grabbing feature, especially in a roadside emergency situation.

This approach is effective because it is a widely understood non-verbal cue that communicates distress without causing confusion. It allows emergency responders or fellow drivers to identify your situation quickly, enhancing your chances of receiving timely assistance.

In contrast, flashing headlights might confuse other drivers or signal different messages, waving a sign can lack visibility and clarity, especially at high speeds, and continuously blowing the horn could become annoying and distracting rather than conveying the need for help. These alternatives don’t have the same level of efficacy or recognition as the combination of raising the hood and using a white cloth.