Should You Make a U-turn or Reverse When Driving Against Traffic?
3 Answers
When there is not much traffic on the road, you should make a U-turn to return to the correct direction. If a U-turn is not possible, you need to reverse. Here are the relevant details: 1. Regulations: According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses" regarding the scoring of traffic violations, driving a motor vehicle without following the rules for overtaking, yielding, or driving against traffic will result in a 3-point penalty. 2. Liability for Driving Against Traffic: Generally, the party driving against traffic will bear the primary or full responsibility (if the other party is not at fault). It is recommended to report to the police promptly. The traffic police department will determine the liability of the parties involved based on their actions and the severity of the fault in causing the traffic accident.
When you accidentally drive the wrong way, such as entering a one-way street in the opposite direction, it's definitely not a good time to make a U-turn! Driving the wrong way usually means the car is going in the opposite direction of the correct traffic flow. In this situation, making a U-turn means a 180-degree turn, but when driving against traffic, attempting a U-turn is too risky and could easily lead to a head-on collision with other vehicles, causing a major accident. In comparison, reversing is a safer option—slowly backing up to a safe area, such as an intersection or roadside parking zone. Having driven for over a decade, I've seen many panicked beginners attempting U-turns and nearly causing accidents. The correct approach is to first pull over, turn on hazard lights, observe the surroundings, and then gently reverse while controlling speed to exit safely. Remember, traffic rules strictly prohibit U-turns on highways or in no-U-turn zones, whereas reversing minimizes risks. The key is to prioritize safety to avoid fines or worse. If traffic is heavy, it's best to wait for traffic police assistance rather than forcing your way through.
Oh, I've encountered driving the wrong way once as an experienced driver, when I took a wrong turn in a narrow city alley. That wasn't the time to consider a U-turn—making one would have plunged me directly into oncoming traffic, doubling the danger. I opted to reverse: first coming to a complete stop, checking left and right to ensure no cars were approaching, then slowly backing up to the entrance at a snail's pace. The whole process took over 10 seconds, but it prevented any scrapes. Experience has taught me that correcting a wrong-way situation mainly relies on reversing, especially on narrow roads; U-turns should only be attempted on two-way streets and at safe spots. Remember, making it a habit to check routes in advance with navigation apps can prevent 90% of mistakes. If you find yourself going the wrong way on a highway, never reverse—make an emergency stop and call for help, as life outweighs everything. Stay calm, take it slow—that's how driving skills are honed.
