What to Do When Driving into the Opposite Lane at a Traffic Light Intersection?
3 Answers
If you drive into the opposite lane, to avoid affecting other vehicles, you need to wait at the intersection until all vehicles have stopped before you can adjust your position. After all vehicles on the road have stopped, you should adjust your direction and return to the correct lane.
If I accidentally drive into the wrong lane (oncoming traffic), I will immediately turn on the hazard lights to alert surrounding vehicles of my abnormal position, then gradually slow down to a safe speed without sudden braking to avoid rear-end collisions. I will quickly check for oncoming traffic from both sides—if the road is clear, I will find an opportunity to slowly merge back into the correct lane. If there is heavy traffic, I will pull over, keep the hazard lights on, and wait for a gap in traffic to make a U-turn. Afterward, I will reflect on the cause of the mistake—such as being distracted by my phone or unfamiliar with the route—and plan my navigation in advance next time. Staying focused at intersections and prioritizing safety is crucial to avoid repeating the error.
I once made this mistake as a beginner, and my heart was racing. I would first take a deep breath to calm down, turn off the stereo or set my phone to Do Not Disturb, then turn on the hazard lights and slow down gradually. Carefully check the rearview mirror and back window, avoiding sudden turns. If the environment permits, find a small road or intersection to safely move out; if not, stop and wait in a safe place while flashing the lights to alert others. After that lesson, I learned to check lane markings in advance at intersections, practice turns more often in good daylight, and familiarize myself with common routes to reduce misjudgments.
