What to Do When the Highway is Closed and You're Already on It?
4 Answers
Highway closures come in two forms. One is the closure of toll stations, where all entrances are completely shut, prohibiting vehicles from entering, but vehicles already on the main route can still exit the highway—entry is prohibited but exit is allowed. The other form is the closure of the main route, where one direction of the highway's main route is closed, prohibiting vehicles from continuing forward. In such cases, follow the arrangements of traffic police and highway patrol, and exit the main route under their guidance. When encountering severe weather conditions like heavy rain, snow, strong winds, or dense fog that affect driving, you can exit the highway at the nearest exit or enter a service area to wait for the highway to reopen. Highways are multi-lane roads exclusively designed for directional and lane-specific vehicle travel, with fully controlled access.
It's really frustrating when the highway is closed, but when driving, I first keep a clear mind, immediately reduce speed and find a safe place to pull over. I still remember that time during a heavy rain when the highway was temporarily blocked, I stopped at the service area entrance with hazard lights on, making sure my car didn't block the main lane. I tuned the car radio to the traffic station for real-time updates to understand the reason for the closure and the estimated reopening time. Waiting for a few minutes to several hours is normal, so it's good to have enough drinking water and snacks to avoid hunger. Never risk rushing forward or getting out to walk around—high-speed traffic is too dangerous. Staying calm and following instructions is key. If necessary, use your phone to inform family of your safety or call for rescue services. Preventive measures like checking weather and road conditions before departure can reduce such troubles. Safe driving is always the top priority.
When traveling on the highway with kids during a blockade, I take extra precautions. First, I calm them down and make sure they sit quietly with their seatbelts securely fastened. I immediately slow down and pull over to the emergency lane, turning on the hazard lights. I then use my phone to share my location with my husband to reassure him. I always keep small snacks and a water bottle in my bag to keep the kids occupied, explaining to them that it's a safety drill. I check the navigation app for the quickest exit or wait for updates via broadcast, avoiding any panic-driven attempts to overtake or take shortcuts. The highway is crowded, making accidents more likely, so patiently waiting for traffic to clear is the safest approach. Daily habits like checking the car's condition to prevent sudden breakdowns are also very helpful. Getting the whole family home safely is what matters most.
As someone who has helped on the road for years, my first reaction when the highway is closed is to stop without blocking the way. Immediately slow down and choose a service area or open space to stop, turn on the hazard lights, and turn off the engine to save fuel and ventilate. Place a reflective triangle to alert following vehicles, maintain a safe distance, and do not move. Listen to official channels for instructions and avoid taking detours on your own. Simple actions can prevent secondary problems.
