What to Do When the Highway is Closed and You Can't Exit?

[StBrooke]

Follow the arrangements of traffic police and road administration, and exit the main highway under their guidance. Under severe weather conditions, highway traffic control is divided into the following three levels: 1. Level 3 Control: When the highway experiences severe weather such as heavy rain, heavy snow, or thick fog with visibility between 100 to 200 meters, Level 3 control is implemented, meaning partial road closures and traffic interruptions lasting less than 3 hours; 2. Level 2 Control: When the highway experiences severe weather like heavy rain, heavy snow, or thick fog with visibility between 50 to 100 meters, making it unsafe for vehicles to pass, Level 2 control is enforced, involving regional road closures and traffic interruptions lasting 3 to 6 hours; 3. Level 1 Control: When the highway experiences severe weather such as heavy rain, heavy snow, or thick fog with visibility below 50 meters, or when road surfaces are icy and unsafe for vehicles, Level 1 control is applied, resulting in full highway closures and traffic interruptions lasting more than 6 hours.

[AylaRose]

Once while driving on the highway, I suddenly encountered a road closure with no exit, which made me slightly nervous, but I remained calm and handled the situation properly. I steadily pulled over to the emergency lane and immediately turned on the hazard lights to alert vehicles behind me—this is basic safety protocol. I then checked Gaode Maps on my phone for real-time traffic updates to understand the reason for the closure and possible detour options. Sometimes, service areas have broadcasts or information boards for reference. If there were many vehicles around, I stayed inside the car with doors and windows locked to avoid walking outside and risking accidents. Keeping bottled water and biscuits in the car is also helpful in case of long waits that might affect energy levels. Later, I learned to check highway condition apps or subscribe to alerts before long trips, or listen to traffic updates via the car radio to plan ahead and minimize hassles. With more experience like this, I’ve come to realize that safety always comes first.

[EvaRose]

When I first learned to drive, I was a bit flustered when encountering highway closures, but the key is to handle it safely. First, steadily pull over to the emergency lane—don’t rush to exit forcefully. Turn on the hazard lights, then use your phone to check nearby exits or service area locations via Baidu Maps. If you can move, follow the navigation to detour slowly; if not, stay put and call 122 to report your location and seek guidance. Keeping a bottle of water and an emergency kit in the car is quite helpful, and you can snack on dry food if hungry. Now, with more driving experience, I’ve made it a habit to check real-time traffic updates on Weibo or Douyin before trips. Don’t wait until the road is closed to panic—this method is quite effective for prevention.

[MayaAnn]

When encountering a highway closure and unable to exit, first calmly pull over to the emergency lane and turn on the hazard lights to avoid disturbing others. Use your phone to check navigation apps like Tencent Maps to find the nearest exit or gas station. If the wait is too long, contact the highway service hotline or dial 122. Always keep water and energy bars in the car, and pass the time by listening to music or the radio. Develop good driving habits, such as checking the weather and traffic conditions before hitting the road and avoiding peak hours to prevent getting stuck and frustrated.