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PhrasesCar AccidentHo messo il triangolo di emergenza.
A2

Ho messo il triangolo di emergenza.

I've put out the emergency triangle.

Pronunciation

'Triangolo' = tree-AN-goh-loh. Stress the second syllable.

When to use it

Say this to confirm to arriving police that you have already placed the warning triangle. It also prompts you to do it if you haven't — the triangle is legally required.

What it means

Italian law requires every vehicle to carry a reflective warning triangle (triangolo di emergenza). After a breakdown or accident, it must be placed at least 50 metres behind the vehicle on ordinary roads and 100 metres on motorways. Failure to display it is a fine offence.

Variations

Ho acceso le quattro frecce.

I've turned on the hazard lights.

'Quattro frecce' (four arrows) = hazard warning lights — always activate first.

Dov'è il triangolo? Non riesco a trovarlo.

Where is the triangle? I can't find it.

Ask this if you don't know where it's kept in a rental or unfamiliar car.

Dovete stare lontani dalla carreggiata.

You must stay away from the carriageway.

Safety instruction for passengers and bystanders.

Mini Dialogue

— Ha messo il triangolo di emergenza? — Sì, l'ho posizionato cento metri indietro. — Bene. E le quattro frecce? — Sono accese. Ho anche il giubbotto catarifrangente. — Ottimo. Si sposti sul bordo della carreggiata adesso.

— Have you put out the emergency triangle? — Yes, I placed it one hundred metres back. — Good. And the hazard lights? — They're on. I also have the high-visibility vest. — Excellent. Move to the edge of the carriageway now.

Cultural Note

Italian law also requires carrying a fluorescent high-visibility vest (giubbotto catarifrangente). Outside city limits, you must wear it whenever you exit your vehicle on the road — failing to do so is a fineable offence.