What distance is recommended to start traffic cones/flairs at 60 MPH?

The recommended distance to start traffic cones or flares when vehicles are traveling at 60 MPH is typically set at 160 feet. This distance is crucial for ensuring safety, as it provides an adequate warning to approaching drivers, allowing them enough time to react and navigate around potential hazards or incidents.

This recommendation is based on safety standards that consider the speed of vehicles; at 60 MPH, a vehicle covers approximately 88 feet per second. By placing the warning devices at 160 feet, it gives drivers about 1.8 seconds to notice and respond to the situation, which enhances the chances of a safe passage and reduces the likelihood of accidents.

In contrast, other distances listed do not align with these safety considerations, as they either provide too little warning time for drivers or may not comply with established traffic management protocols.