What do people do when motorways close (accidents, breakdowns etc)?

[-]

imtiramisu2025@reddit

I was stuck in traffic that didnt move for 2 hours yesterday and it went by quite quick. It was a nice day and I just chilled and accepted it. I did miss my MRI that I was on my way too.

Worse one ive been stuck in was m6 for 6 hours. Took me 10 hours to do a 3 hour journey. It was my first time on the motor way too. I always carry a multi pack of water in the car and snacks. Thankfully i was able to climb up to a bank and go pee in a field a few times because theres no way I can go that long.

Now that I am a mum though I have no idea what i would do with a baby especially if too hot. Definitely will be carrying a few ready made feeds going forward just in case.

[-]

Alas_boris@reddit

The thing I always remind myself of in these situations is that no matter how much of an inconvenience or discomfort it is for me and my family sat waiting in the car, the people involved in the indecent at the front of the queue are having possibly the worst day of their life which will impact them for years to come. So I'm happy to give them and the people dealing with the incident as much time as they need.

[-]

Kyber92@reddit

We sat for hours and hours once. A car exploded or something and I think they had to resurface the road before we could go anywhere.

[-]

LazyEmu5073@reddit

Probably a diesel spill. Diesel dissolves tarmac.

[-]

terryjuicelawson@reddit

I've had it a few times. People do eventually get out of the car. People will go for a piss. I think it is tolerated so you won't get in trouble but you really need to be ready to go any time so don't leave the car there and wander to the nearest services. They can open a lane to get you shifted or start turning cars round.

[-]

Timely_Egg_6827@reddit

You turn off your engine and catch some sleep if you can. Generally though roadworkers will try and get traffic off at the junction before. We carry a shewee in car as used to do a lot of long-distance driving.

If you are carrying animals or young children getting into distress, it can be worth flagging to highways agency as sometimes you can get an escort off but need a really valid reason. We travel with animals on occasions so all doors open and as much ventilation as possible.

[-]

ScotTrucker@reddit

Rest? Yes but you definitely don't sleep. You're on a live road and in control of a motor vehicle. You don't know when the traffic is going to begin moving again so you need to remain alert at all times.

[-]

FluffiestF0x@reddit

You get out and have a walk around until a copper tells you to get back in your car before you get your collar felt

[-]

palpatineforever@reddit

pretty much stay there, you can find videos of people buying icecreams etc when an icecream van happened to also be in the waiting traffic. people do also get out to pee on the side of the road...

This is also why you ideally need to have a few things in your car, 6 hours in the summer you will need water, 6 hours in winter when your heater might not be running if your engine is off so a blanket is a good idea partly depending on the places you drive.

[-]

-Rhymenocerous-@reddit

I just put a podcast on or some TV and leave the window open.

The moment I hear cars turning over to get going i have a look around to ser if its moving and get going.

[-]

Mammoth-Passion-413@reddit

I spent 6 days in 2018 stuck on the M5 when there was flooding -Just outside Tewkesbury. Fortuantely I was seeing a relative so I took my little motorhome. Even in that 6 days was a bit uncomfortable. Most other people walked off the motorway and went to Hotels I think

[-]

ross-dirext-words137@reddit

If it hours and not moving people get out the car and sit in the grass in the sun if the weather is nice.

Most mortoways have a a road that goes the same way so normally it's only a short distance that's stuck. Eventually the police will turn people around to get them out so your not normally stuck for hours unless there is allot going on.

[-]

SuperDinkle406@reddit

If you are near the junction they lead you off and you find a way round.

If you are past the junction and close to the close to the accident the police make a call. I have sat there for a few hours until they cleared everything, but once the police clear a path and lead up the wrong way to the junction and off.

[-]

ashyjay@reddit

If it's really bad, traffic officers and police close junctions and if safe they can get people turn around and leave at the nearest free junction.

[-]

AutoModerator@reddit

Please help keep AskUK welcoming!

When replying to submission/post please make genuine efforts to answer the question given. Please no jokes, judgements, etc. If a post is marked 'Serious Answers Only' you may receive a ban for violating this rule.
Don't be a dick to each other. If getting heated, just block and move on.
This is a strictly no-politics subreddit!

Please help us by reporting comments that break these rules.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.