The National Day holiday is approaching. With the implementation of the free passage policy for small vehicles, traffic authorities predict that highway traffic volume will increase during the holiday period. Another unavoidable reality is that the probability of car accidents may also rise. So, what should you do if a car accident happens on the highway? What preparations should you make before getting on the highway? How should you handle traffic jams?
[Minor Accidents] Evacuate Promptly and Follow the Quick Settlement Procedure
On highways, accidents such as hitting guardrails often occur. Traffic police advise that many drivers assume their vehicle is undamaged and leave the scene quickly. In fact, this constitutes a hit-and-run. Drivers should call the police, drive their vehicle to the emergency lane, set up proper warning signs, and only leave after the police have handled the incident. Additionally, if a minor collision occurs on the highway, and the vehicles are still movable with no injuries, they must not remain in the fast lane. Both parties should promptly exit the highway and go to the accident quick settlement center. If waiting for police to arrive is necessary, vehicles must still be moved to the emergency lane, and evidence at the accident scene should be preserved as safely as possible.
[Major Accidents] Prevent Secondary Accidents – Do Not Wait at the Scene
In the event of a major traffic accident where the vehicle cannot be moved, the first thing to do is absolutely not to stand and wait for rescue at the scene. Instead, move all people to the emergency lane as soon as possible. Traffic police warn that secondary accidents are highly likely on highways. A failure to deal with an initial incident promptly can result in greater accidents and even more casualties. Therefore, after an accident on the highway, you should immediately place a luminous or reflective warning sign 150 meters away in the direction of incoming traffic and turn on your hazard lights. All individuals should evacuate immediately to the outside of the highway guardrail, the farther the better. At the same time, call the police and contact traffic authorities.
[Tire Blowout] Avoid Slamming the Brakes – Steady the Steering and Tap Gently
When driving at high speed, if a tire suddenly blows out, the driver should immediately stay calm, avoid panicking, hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands, try to keep the vehicle moving in its normal trajectory, and quickly release the accelerator. Under no circumstances should you slam the brakes, as this can easily cause the vehicle to roll over. The correct way to brake is to gently tap the brakes repeatedly to gradually slow down the vehicle. For manual transmission vehicles, you can also shift to a lower gear to use engine braking to control speed. Once the speed has dropped sufficiently, remember to signal with your turn signal or hazard lights to alert nearby vehicles, then pull over to the side. After stopping, keep the hazard lights on, turn off the engine, and engage the parking brake. Especially on highways, all occupants should exit the vehicle and move to a safe area.
[Rescuing People] Prioritize Your Own Safety and Use Proper Methods Without Acting Blindly
According to Article 70 of the new traffic law, passing drivers and pedestrians have an obligation to assist in rescue efforts. Traffic police say that how you help must follow certain methods. Police recommend parking on the hard shoulder, turning on hazard lights, and placing warning signs. If conditions allow, you can wave bright clothing or shine a flashlight outside the guardrail near the warning sign to alert vehicles behind. When actually performing a rescue, police advise that unless you are a professional, it’s best not to act blindly. Injured persons in accidents may sometimes suffer worsened injuries due to improper handling. Furthermore, if you believe you are able to help, always pay attention to your own safety — for example, face oncoming traffic and keep watch while assisting.
[Towing Fees] If Charges Are Excessive, Complain to the Pricing Department
Traffic police advise that if your vehicle cannot be moved after an accident on the highway, the highway management will dispatch a tow truck. Towing after an accident incurs certain fees. According to pricing department standards, the starting fee for highway towing is 200 yuan, plus 6 yuan per kilometer. Police remind that in the case of a major accident, traffic authorities might tow the vehicle to a designated parking lot for inspection. However, for repairs, no department has the right to designate a repair shop — the driver has full discretion. Thus, if a driver believes a repair shop’s price is unreasonable, they can request towing elsewhere or directly file a complaint with the pricing department.
[Safe Driving] Prefer Taking Turns Driving – Avoid Speeding and Fatigued Driving
All preparations and execution of self-driving tours should center around "safety." High-speed driving requires intense concentration from the driver, which can easily lead to fatigue. Moreover, the monotonous scenery on highways can cause drivers to lose focus over time, reducing their ability to respond to emergencies. When unexpected situations arise, it becomes hard to cope. The most important taboos on highways are speeding and fatigued driving. There should be at least two drivers in a self-driving group who can take turns every two hours to maintain stamina and optimal driving condition — this is the best strategy for safe driving. While on the highway, not only should you drive steadily, but you must also constantly observe the road conditions ahead, behind, and on both sides. Prepare to avoid any abnormalities immediately.
[New Drivers on the Road] Prepare Thoroughly in Advance and Plan Routes to Prevent Accidents
It is advised that novice drivers avoid self-driving tours alone. New drivers are unfamiliar with both vehicle conditions and highway driving skills, making accidents more likely. If you must get on the highway, be fully prepared. Traffic police say that highway ramps often see drivers reversing because they missed their exit, or stopping to ask for directions — both of which are very dangerous. Therefore, before setting off, anticipate your route and clarify which ramp to take to avoid mishaps. Also, police recommend that new drivers avoid the leftmost lane on highways, as it is the fast lane for vehicles traveling at 100–120 km/h. New drivers should ideally keep their speed below 90 km/h, so the middle lane is more suitable.
[Driving in a Convoy] Maintain Smooth Traffic Flow – Do Not Gather at Highway Entrances/Exits
At highway entrances and exits, the roads are already narrow, and vehicles that cut in line can worsen congestion. Many drivers treat these areas as gathering or resting spots, which is not only dangerous but also exacerbates traffic jams. In the event of an accident, take photos for evidence and move your vehicle promptly — delaying even one minute can cause a three- to four-kilometer backup. Additionally, passing drivers must not slow down just to observe accidents, as this easily leads to rear-end collisions, and lingering to take photos is strongly discouraged. When traffic is backed up due to an accident, queued drivers must not occupy the emergency lane but should park in sequence. Occupying the emergency lane will prevent ambulances, police cars, and others from accessing the scene.
[How to Follow Other Vehicles] Maintain Safe Following Distance to Prevent Chain Rear-End Collisions
In case of highway congestion, maintain a safe following distance. When coming to a complete stop, the closest safe distance is when you can see the bottom edge of the front vehicle’s bumper from your windshield. To prevent chain rear-end collisions caused by sudden braking, don’t just focus on the car directly in front. Use your peripheral vision to observe the vehicle even further ahead and watch for brake lights. If the car in front of the one ahead of you brakes, move your right foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal. This ensures timely braking and also warns the vehicle behind you. To better observe the vehicle ahead, choose cars with lighter or no window tint. Avoid following large vehicles like buses, minibuses, or trucks.
[Night Driving] Learn to Use Lights, Reduce Speed, and Stay Alert
At night, vehicle lights are essential aids. When using them, not only should you avoid using fog lights and headlights simultaneously, but you should also understand how to use and switch between different light settings. When overtaking at night, be sure to accurately assess the situation ahead. Only proceed to follow and overtake the vehicle in front after confirming it is safe, using continuous high-low beam switching, and honking if necessary, to signal the vehicle ahead to yield. Only overtake when you are certain the vehicle ahead has allowed you to pass. Nighttime driving with poor visibility and unclear road boundaries can easily cause vehicles to deviate from their path. Drivers should reduce speed to allow more time for observation, decision-making, and reaction. Additionally, slow down when entering or exiting highways and changing lanes, while using turn signals to indicate your direction.