What action is required when stopping a vehicle on a road for any reason?

When stopping a vehicle on a road for any reason, it is essential to warn approaching traffic. This action is crucial for ensuring the safety of both the driver and other road users. By using hazard lights, placing warning triangles, or flares, the driver can alert others to the presence of a stationary vehicle. This warning helps prevent accidents, as approaching vehicles may not expect a vehicle to be stopped unexpectedly, especially on roads with higher speed limits.

The other actions do not address the immediate necessity of informing other drivers of the stopped vehicle, which is vital to maintain overall safety on the road. While notifying the police may be necessary in certain situations, it is not always required when stopping for minor reasons. Shifting the vehicle into neutral and leaving the engine running could pose hazards, as they might lead to unintended movement or make the vehicle less visible to oncoming traffic.