Where should the first safety triangle be placed on a two-lane roadway?

The correct approach is to place the first safety triangle on the traffic side, 10 feet from the front or rear of the vehicle. This positioning is crucial for maximizing visibility and ensuring that other drivers can see the warning signal from a distance, which helps prevent further accidents. By placing the triangle on the traffic side, it draws attention to the hazard posed by the stopped vehicle.

The other options do not provide adequate safety precautions in the event of a breakdown or emergency. For example, placing the triangle 10 feet at the rear of the vehicle may not provide sufficient warning to drivers approaching from behind, and positioning it in the middle of the road could pose an unnecessary hazard and might obscure the triangle from view by oncoming traffic. Additionally, placing the triangle 100 feet ahead of the vehicle could be excessively far, decreasing the effectiveness of warning other motorists about the situation.