What to Do If You Miss an Exit on the Highway?
2 Answers
Drive to the next exit or use the underground passage in the service area. On highways, it is never allowed to stop, reverse, or drive in the wrong direction at any time. Here are the solutions for missing an exit while driving on the highway: 1. Drive to the next exit: On highways, it is never allowed to stop, reverse, or drive in the wrong direction at any time, as doing so can easily cause traffic accidents! The best approach is to follow the principle of 'making the best of a mistake'—exit at the next available exit, then make a U-turn and take a longer route. Although it means driving a bit farther, you can still get back on track. 'Better to take ten steps safely than one step dangerously'—it may take a little more time, but it ensures a safe journey. 2. Use the underground passage in the service area: Some highway service areas have underground passages for goods delivery. If you realize you've missed an exit, you can ask the service area staff if you can use this passage to make a U-turn. However, since this passage is not for public use, many service areas do not allow private vehicles to pass through.
On the highway, if I miss an exit, I absolutely won’t make an emergency stop or reverse—that’s too risky and could lead to a rear-end collision. Instead, I’ll immediately stay in my lane, maintain a steady speed, and continue driving while opening my navigation app to reroute and guide me to the next exit. Remember, exits are usually not far apart, and spending a little extra time and gas money is worth it for a safe trip home. Once, on a rainy night, I missed an exit. Though anxious, I held back and patiently drove to the next one, avoiding greater trouble. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to familiarize myself with the route before setting off and pay extra attention to road signs while driving, ensuring small mistakes don’t turn into accidents. Driving is a learning process—staying calm in every situation helps turn risks into safety.