On September 18, a dramatic incident unfolded on the Hefei section of the Shanghai-Shaanxi Highway when a family of three found themselves stranded in a broken-down vehicle. The car was immobilized in a high-speed lane, with two adults and a child inside, creating a precarious situation as other vehicles sped past.

Upon receiving the distress call, Officer Li Yang of the Hefei Traffic Police immediately took action. He urged the family to quickly climb over the median barrier to reach safety, as the risk of a secondary collision was imminent. Despite the urgency, the driver hesitated, wanting to retrieve a jacket for his child. In a moment of high tension, Officer Li shouted, "What jacket at this time? Do you not value your life? Get over the barrier now!" His firm instructions prompted the family to act swiftly.

Just seconds after the family managed to get to safety, a truck collided with their abandoned vehicle, propelling it nearly 100 meters down the road. Fortunately, the truck driver was wearing a seatbelt and emerged unscathed. The incident resulted in significant damage to both vehicles but, thankfully, no injuries to the individuals involved.

This event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by highway breakdowns, especially during peak travel times. Authorities have emphasized the importance of evacuating vehicles that become stranded on highways and have provided guidelines for motorists. They advise drivers to always wear seatbelts, move passengers to safety behind the median, and place warning signs at least 150 meters from the vehicle.

In a related incident in Taiwan on August 19, three people tragically lost their lives after failing to leave the roadway following a breakdown, highlighting the critical need for awareness and adherence to safety protocols on highways.