Have you ever thought that a small mistake on the highway can lead to a catastrophe?
As soon as I stepped onto the entrance of the highway, the car rushed out like an arrow off the string. The sun is shining, the roads are clear, and everything looks so good. Suddenly, there was a screeching sound of brakes ahead, followed by a loud crash of metal. Not far away, several cars had crashed together, and the scene was chaotic.
You've probably seen this scene in the news countless times. But when it actually happens to you, do you really know how to deal with it?
Accidents on the highway tend to come fast and violently. One second it was calm, the next it could be stormy. This sudden change often catches the driver off guard.
When many people encounter this situation, their first reaction is to slam on the brakes. This may seem like the most intuitive way to protect yourself, but in fact it can put yourself in a more dangerous situation.
Imagine you're speeding at 120 km/h and suddenly brake suddenly, what happens to the car behind you? Especially if it's followed by a heavy truck, the result is simply unthinkable.
Some people might say, why don't I just keep a safe distance in advance? That's right, it's a good habit. But on the highway, you never know when someone will suddenly plug in, shortening the safety distance you have carefully maintained in an instant.
So, what should we do in the face of unexpected accidents ahead?
The answer is: stay calm, look around, and look for opportunities to change lanes.
It sounds simple, but it's hard to do. Being able to keep a cool head and make the right judgment quickly in that moment requires good driving habits.
Keeping an eye on the traffic behind and from the side through the rearview mirror, and keeping an eye on the traffic around you, these seemingly simple habits can save your life at a critical moment.
If you really can't change lanes, learn to protect yourself from the inevitable impact. At this time, we must follow the principle of "rather crash than overturn". Instead of slamming the steering wheel and risking a rollover, it is better to choose a relatively safe way to hit.
Remember, on the highway, every decision you make can be the difference between life and death. A wrong judgment can make you never go home; One right choice could save the future for you and your family.
Let's look at a real-world example.
During the Spring Festival in 2023, a car was suddenly rear-ended by a vehicle in front of it on the Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway. Mr. Wang, the driver, quickly observed the surrounding situation, noticed that there was a gap in the left lane, and immediately turned on the turn signal and quickly changed lanes. His decisive actions averted a possible serial rear-end collision.
Mr. Wang said afterwards: "I used to look in the rearview mirror and observe the vehicles around me when I was driving. This time, when I encountered an emergency, I realized that this habit really saved my life. ＂
In contrast, the outcome of another accident was less than lucky.
Last summer, on the Shenhai Expressway, when a private car encountered a similar situation, the driver subconsciously slammed on the brakes. As a result, he not only crashed into the accident vehicle in front, but was also rear-ended by a truck that did not have time to brake from behind. As a result of the accident, three people were seriously injured and five vehicles were damaged to varying degrees.
These two cases clearly illustrate the huge difference between what is right and what is wrong.
In the face of emergencies on the highway, good psychological quality is particularly important. So, how do we develop this mental quality to deal with emergencies?
It's a good idea to take professional driving training on a regular basis. Many driving schools offer advanced driving lessons that specialize in training for all kinds of emergencies.
Simulated driving is also an effective way to train. There are a lot of realistic driving simulators on the market that can simulate all kinds of complex traffic situations. Regular practice can make you feel more at ease when you actually encounter an emergency.
In addition, it is important to maintain a good physical and mental condition. Drowsy driving is one of the main causes of unresponsiveness. When driving long distances, take breaks and stay energized.
It is equally important to practice good driving habits. Maintaining a safe distance and not speeding at all times can greatly reduce the risk of accidents.
When driving on the highway, we also need to be vigilant at all times. Don't be paralyzed by monotonous road conditions, and don't be distracted by external factors such as mobile phones.
Remember, safety always comes first. No matter how anxious things are, they are not as important as life.
The highway is like a double-edged sword. It makes it easier for us to get around, but it also brings greater risks. Each of us has a responsibility to contribute to a safe transportation environment.
From now on, let's work together to develop good driving habits. Always be vigilant and learn to respond to unexpected situations correctly.
When you hit the highway again, hopefully you'll remember what you've discussed today. Maybe one day, this knowledge will help you save the day at a critical moment.
Driving is not just a skill, it's a responsibility. Responsibility is not only to oneself, but also to one's family and to other road users.
Every time you arrive at your destination safely, it is the best fulfillment of this responsibility.
Let's work together to create a safer transportation environment. Because everyone on the road is the dearest and beloved of a family.
Drive safely and get home safely. This is not just a slogan, but should be a guide for each of us.
Let us all hope that one day, "peace is blessing" will no longer be just a blessing for the New Year, but will become a daily routine.