The Function of Emergency Lanes
2 Answers
Emergency lanes on highways serve rescue purposes. Rescue purposes: They are specifically designated for vehicles handling emergencies such as engineering rescue, firefighting, medical aid, or police officers performing urgent official duties. All civilian vehicles are prohibited from entering or stopping in these lanes for any reason. Regulations: On highways, motor vehicles must not reverse, drive against traffic, make U-turns across central dividers, park within lanes, overtake on ramps, acceleration lanes or deceleration lanes, straddle or ride on lane dividers, drive on road shoulders, or use emergency lanes for driving or parking under non-emergency circumstances. Test driving or learning to drive motor vehicles is also prohibited. Procedures: In case of breakdowns or unsolvable problems, vehicles should stop within the emergency pull-off areas, activate hazard warning lights, and place warning signs 150 meters behind the vehicle. During nighttime, rain, or fog, clearance lights, tail lights, and rear fog lights should also be turned on simultaneously. All passengers must evacuate to safe areas, and if necessary, promptly call the highway emergency number to request assistance.
Having driven for over a decade, I deeply understand the importance of emergency lanes. These are no ordinary lanes—they can be lifesavers in critical moments. When a car suddenly malfunctions, such as a flat tire or smoking engine, pulling over to the emergency lane can prevent rear-end collisions. If someone in the vehicle falls suddenly ill, I can safely stop and call for emergency help. Last year, I witnessed an accident ahead where an ambulance quickly reached the scene via the emergency lane—had it been blocked, the consequences would have been unthinkable. Even in heavy traffic, I never use the emergency lane; it’s both illegal and dangerous.
