Which number to call for a flat tire on the highway?
3 Answers
In case of a flat tire on the highway, you can dial the national highway emergency rescue number: 12122. Below are the precautions to take after a flat tire: Do not slam on the brakes: If the front tire blows out, hold the steering wheel firmly, adjust the direction of the car, and avoid panicking by jerking the steering wheel repeatedly, as this could cause severe skidding or even a spin. Then gradually slow down by shifting to neutral or downshifting step by step, release the accelerator pedal, and gently press the brake pedal repeatedly to bring the car to a slow stop on the side of the road. Avoid sudden steering: A flat tire can cause the rear of the car to sway, but as long as the driver remains calm and grips the steering wheel with both hands, the car can usually be kept moving straight. Additionally, it is best to gently press the brake pedal repeatedly to reduce the pressure on the blown tire.
With years of driving experience, I can tell you that the most crucial thing during a high-speed tire blowout is to stay calm and avoid slamming on the brakes. Gradually slow down and pull over to the side of the road, then turn on your hazard lights. Place a triangular warning sign about 150 meters behind your car to prevent rear-end collisions. After completing these steps, immediately call 122 to report the incident—they will help locate you and contact highway rescue services. In China, highways have a dedicated emergency number, 12122, which provides faster access. Rescue personnel typically arrive within 30 minutes. While waiting, it's safest to stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt fastened and avoid walking on the roadway, as high-speed traffic is extremely dangerous. To minimize the risk of blowouts, remember to check your tire pressure and tread wear monthly. Both underinflated and overinflated tires can easily lead to accidents. If you encounter a blowout, avoid attempting to change the tire yourself, as it can be hazardous—leave it to the professionals.
As a driver who frequently travels long distances, I'm quite familiar with handling tire blowouts on highways. When encountering one, the first thing is to steady the steering wheel without making sudden turns, allowing the car to naturally slow down and pull over. After turning on the hazard lights and setting up the warning triangle, the safest action is to pick up the phone and call 122. 122 can notify traffic police for assistance, or you can directly dial 12122, the highway emergency rescue hotline, for a quicker response. Last time I had a blowout, I called 12122 and they arrived in just ten minutes. Throughout the process, it's crucial not to panic and to wait safely inside the car, as walking around on the highway with heavy traffic can easily lead to accidents. Afterwards, it's advisable to visit a repair shop for a comprehensive tire check to see if it was caused by aging or excessive driving. Developing a habit of checking tire pressure and tread wear every 5,000 kilometers can help avoid similar problems on the highway.
