White Towel Safety Signal for Broken Cars Gains Attention

A video posted by the YouTube channel Clever Hacks explains how tying a white towel to the rear‑view mirror can signal that a vehicle has broken down and the driver is seeking help. The practice is cited in some driver manuals, for example in North Carolina, where authorities advise placing the cloth on the door handle or antenna to alert other motorists and police. Viewers reacted with mixed opinions: some said they had never heard of the signal, while others, including a former tow‑truck driver from Los Angeles, questioned its usefulness and warned it might invite theft. Critics note that the sign is not universally recognised, so its effectiveness may be limited or even risky.

The video sparked considerable comment online, highlighting both curiosity about the method and skepticism about its practical adoption in broader traffic safety protocols.