What to Do When Highways Are Closed Due to Fog?
2 Answers
Learn how to park safely: You should follow the vehicle in front and park behind it in order. If you are the last vehicle, you should place a triangular warning sign 150 meters behind your car, turn on all the vehicle's lights, and ensure all passengers quickly move outside the guardrail. Highway traffic control under severe weather conditions is divided into the following three levels: 1. Level 3 Control: When heavy rain, snowstorms, or thick fog reduce visibility to between 100 and 200 meters, Level 3 control is implemented, involving partial road closures and traffic interruptions lasting less than 3 hours. 2. Level 2 Control: When heavy rain, snowstorms, or thick fog reduce visibility to between 50 and 100 meters, making it unsafe for vehicles to proceed, Level 2 control is implemented, involving regional road closures and traffic interruptions lasting 3 to 6 hours. 3. Level 1 Control: When heavy rain, snowstorms, or thick fog reduce visibility to less than 50 meters, or when road surfaces become icy, making it unsafe for vehicles to proceed, Level 1 control is implemented, involving full highway closures and traffic interruptions lasting more than 6 hours.
Every time the highway is closed due to fog, I always find a safe place to park, such as a service area or near a highway exit. At this time, forcing your way through is absolutely not an option—the risk is too high. I usually turn on the radio to listen to real-time traffic updates or use mobile apps like Baidu Maps to check for road condition updates, seeing when the fog might clear or if there are any detour routes available. Meanwhile, I check if there’s enough water and food in the car, just in case the wait lasts longer and I don’t go hungry. During the wait, I avoid keeping the engine completely shut off to prevent battery drain and slightly open the windows for ventilation. Safety comes first—be patient and wait for official notifications before taking action. Don’t risk rushing through to save time; this is the safest approach.
