What is the primary danger of stopping on a divided highway?

The primary danger of stopping on a divided highway is that it can catch other vehicles off guard. Divided highways are designed for higher-speed travel, and stopping unexpectedly can pose significant risks to both the stopped vehicle and approaching traffic. Drivers may not anticipate a vehicle stopping in a lane where they expect continuous movement, leading to collisions as they react to the unexpected situation. This lack of warning can create hazardous conditions, particularly if the stopped vehicle is not visible until it is too late for other drivers to react safely.

While there are other concerns associated with stopping on a divided highway, such as potential chain reactions or access for emergency vehicles, the immediate danger arises from the surprise element for oncoming traffic, which is most pertinent in high-speed scenarios.