What to Do When You Realize You're Driving the Wrong Way on the Highway?
2 Answers
Immediately pull over to the emergency lane, take emergency measures, and wait for traffic police to handle the situation. Here is additional information: 1. Penalty: Driving the wrong way on the highway will result in a fine ranging from 20 to 200 yuan and a deduction of 12 points. According to Article 1 of the 'Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Safety Violations,' any of the following violations by a motor vehicle driver will result in a 12-point deduction: reversing, driving the wrong way, or making a U-turn across the central divider on the highway. 2. Wrong Lane: If you realize you've taken the wrong exit, do not panic or brake suddenly. Maintain your speed and continue driving until you can exit the highway at the nearest opportunity.
When discovering you're driving against traffic on a highway, the first priority is to stay calm and avoid panic, as nervousness can easily lead to operational errors. With years of driving experience, I've seen similar cases, most commonly caused by drivers mistakenly entering ramps or unclear road signs. In such situations, reducing speed to a safe level is crucial, but avoid slamming on the brakes to prevent rear-end collisions. Simultaneously, turn on hazard lights to alert vehicles behind, then carefully pull over onto the hard shoulder. If traffic is heavy, don't force a stop. After stopping, immediately call 122 to report the incident and wait for professional assistance, which is the safest approach. Additionally, reflect afterward on what went wrong—it might be misleading navigation or personal distraction—to prevent recurrence. Never risk making a U-turn directly, as that could cause a more severe accident.
