Traffic Cone and Flare Placement
*Obtain distance from table 1 (page 8).

Graphic of a roadway with two-way travel showing a detailed illustration of traffic cone and flare placement. The roadway has a vehicle that is parked on it's shoulder, a detail of the cones placed around the vehicle and details of two types of cones that can be used.

The roadway has a vehicle parked on its shoulder with cones set up around the vehicle. The cones are placed along side of the vehicle and then are tapered off towards the edge of the roadway once they meet up with the back of the vehicle. The cones starting at the back of the vehicle tapering to the edge of the roadway should be placed around 120 feet or 40 paces from the end of the vehicle to the edge of the roadway.

Motorists that are traveling on the same side of the parked vehicle will come across a sign that reads, "FIRE ACTIVITY AHEAD". The distance from the warning sign to the first cone can be obtained from table 1.

Motorists traveling in the opposite direction will come across a sign that reads, "FIRE ACTIVITY AHEAD". The distance from the warning sign to the first cone at the front of the vehicle can be obtained from table 1.

There is a detail illustration of the cones that taper off from the back of the vehicle to the edge of the roadway. The back of the vehicle is shown, five cones are shown, along with arrows indicating the placement of the cones.

Two graphics of cones are also show in the illustration. The first cone is used for day and low-speed roadways at a speed less than or equal to 40 mph. The cone's height is a minimum of 18 inches and it is orange.

The second cone is used for night and/or freeway, high-speed roadways at a speed greater than or equal to 45 mph. The cone is orange and has two retroreflective bands. The top band is 6 inches tall and should be placed 3 to 4 inches from the top of the cone. The bottom band is 4 inches tall and should be 2 inches below the top band. The cone height should be no smaller than 28 inches and no larger than 36 inches.

The illustration has a side note which reads, "Use a lookout if traffic is heavy for added safety. Also take into consideration weather, sight distance, and any visual obstructions, such as hills and curves. If using flares, ignite the flares while standing on the shoulder."