What to Do When You Find Yourself Driving in the Wrong Direction on the Highway?
2 Answers
If you find yourself driving in the wrong direction on the highway, the solution is to immediately pull over to the emergency lane, turn on the hazard lights, and set up a warning sign at least 150 meters away in the direction of oncoming traffic. All passengers should move to a safe area outside the guardrail, call the traffic police, and wait for their on-site assistance. Important precautions for highway driving include: 1. Seat Belts: Both the driver and front-seat passenger must fasten their seat belts, and the driver should not use a mobile phone while driving; 2. Steering Wheel: Avoid sudden turns of the steering wheel at high speeds; 3. Lane Changes: Do not change lanes arbitrarily. When changing lanes or overtaking, always use the turn signal in advance; 4. Lane Discipline: Overtaking should only be done using adjacent lanes, and you must return to the driving lane immediately after overtaking. Do not drive straddling or pressing the lane divider; 5. Following Distance: Maintain a distance of at least 100 meters from the vehicle ahead. When driving below 100 km/h, the distance can be appropriately reduced but should not be less than 50 meters.
While driving on the highway, I suddenly realized I was in the wrong lane going against traffic. My heart leaped into my throat at that moment, but I immediately took deep breaths to force myself to calm down. First, I turned on the hazard lights to alert surrounding vehicles, then gently pressed the brake to slow down gradually, avoiding sudden braking that could cause a rear-end collision or loss of control. At the same time, I scanned the area to find an empty shoulder or emergency stopping area to pull over. Once stopped, I didn't dare to get out of the car, locked the doors and windows, and called 110 with my phone to report the situation, clearly stating my exact location and condition. Never attempt to make a U-turn or reverse, as that would be even more dangerous and could easily lead to a chain collision. Such mistakes often occur due to navigation errors or fatigue and distraction. After reflecting on this incident, I resolved to always check the entrance direction and get proper rest before entering the highway in the future. Safety comes first, and keeping a cool head is crucial for survival. I remember a friend sharing a similar lesson—handling it properly avoided a disaster, so actions must be decisive yet gentle.
