What number should I call for a tire blowout on the highway?
2 Answers
In case of a tire blowout on the highway, you should call the national highway emergency rescue number 12122. After a tire blowout, try to move the vehicle to the right side near the hard shoulder. If the vehicle cannot be moved, evacuate to a safe area first, do not stay on the highway, turn on the hazard warning lights, place a triangular warning sign about 150 meters behind the vehicle, and call the emergency number. If a tire blows out while driving, do not instinctively jerk the steering wheel or slam on the brakes, as this will cause the vehicle to lose balance, hit the guardrail, and potentially lead to a rollover, which is extremely dangerous. The correct operating techniques are as follows: 1. Do not slam on the brakes, as this will further destabilize the vehicle; 2. Do not immediately release the accelerator pedal; instead, slowly lift your right foot and gradually release the accelerator; 3. Try to keep the vehicle moving straight, avoid erratic steering, maintain control of the direction, and stay calm; 4. Allow the vehicle to coast to a stop, avoiding stopping in the middle of the road. Try to stop on the right side. If you must stop in the middle of the road, turn on the emergency signal lights and place a triangular warning sign about 150 meters behind the vehicle to prevent rear-end collisions.
Last time my husband had a tire blowout on the highway, I was so anxious I could barely stand still. Luckily, he knew what to do. He said to immediately turn on the hazard lights and slowly pull over to the emergency lane, then quickly exit the car and move behind the guardrail. The image of that large truck barely missing us still gives me chills when I think about it. Never try to change the tire yourself—traffic moves too fast and it’s too dangerous! You must call 12122 for highway rescue—it’s the nationwide emergency number, no mistake. Clearly report your location and wait for help. If there’s no phone signal, press the emergency button on the kilometer marker post. Remember, don’t move the damaged tire—take photos for insurance claims. And never trust roadside mechanics who wave you down—they’re almost always scammers looking to overcharge.
