What equipment must each vehicle over a specified weight carry on highways outside urban areas?

Vehicles over a specified weight that travel on highways outside urban areas are required to carry flares, lanterns, or reflectors as part of safety regulations. This requirement is rooted in the need to ensure visible warnings in case of a breakdown or emergency situation. By having these items, a vehicle can signal its position to other drivers, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing the safety of the vehicle's occupants and other road users.

Flares are often used for their bright, attention-grabbing colors and ability to provide light in low visibility situations, while electric lanterns offer a reliable alternative that doesn't rely on batteries. Reflectors serve as passive warning devices that reflect light from oncoming vehicles, making the stranded vehicle more visible. Collectively, these options fulfill the essential safety need for vehicles operating outside densely populated areas, where traffic may be lighter but the risks associated with vehicle issues can be higher due to fewer nearby assistance options.

In contrast, carry requirements for just reflectors, only red flags, or exclusively red lanterns do not encompass the full range of necessary safety equipment. Properly equipping a vehicle with a variety of signaling devices ensures better preparedness for unexpected incidents on the road.