What is the recommended angle to park an emergency vehicle to deflect oncoming traffic?

Parking an emergency vehicle at a 45-degree angle is recommended as it effectively deflects oncoming traffic away from the scene of an incident. This angle creates a barrier that increases the visibility of both the emergency vehicle and the scene, allowing drivers more time to react and change their course if needed.

Furthermore, a 45-degree angle facilitates safer access for emergency responders, as it provides a clear path for both incoming emergency traffic and outgoing vehicles. This position also minimizes the risk of obstructing the view for both the responders and oncoming traffic, which is crucial in maintaining a safe working environment at emergency scenes.

In contrast, parking parallel to the road does not provide the same level of deflection and may leave the emergency scene vulnerable to traffic. Angles of 90 degrees and 30 degrees do not effectively shield the scene from traffic either, with a 90-degree angle being impractical for maneuvering space and a 30-degree angle being less effective in traffic deflection compared to a 45-degree position.