With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, Hainan’s roads are bracing for a surge in traffic as both residents and tourists embark on holiday travels. The Provincial Public Security Department’s Traffic Police Headquarters issued an alert on September 13th, warning of increased congestion, particularly on highways, coastal roads, and around key tourist destinations. Expats living in Hainan are advised to plan their trips in advance and heed safety warnings to avoid delays and potential hazards.
Peak Travel Times and Routes
Holiday traffic is expected to be especially heavy around Haikou, with congestion likely on city exit routes, the Haikou-Wen Highway, and sections of the Coastal Highway. Traffic peaks are predicted at the following times:
Outbound traffic: September 14th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and September 15th, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, affecting the Haikou to Qionghai and Haikou to Lingao sections.
Inbound traffic: September 15th, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, on the same routes.
From September 16th to 17th, Haikou’s roads will also face heavy traffic due to the holiday return rush. Those planning trips are advised to avoid peak hours and to be patient during slowdowns.
Tourist Hotspots
Roads near popular destinations, such as Sanya, Baoting, Lingshui, and Qionghai, are expected to see a spike in traffic. In particular, scenic points on the coastal tourism road will attract more visitors, leading to higher congestion. Authorities recommend planning routes carefully and be prepared for defensive driving.
Road Safety Risks and Accident Trends
Hainan’s traffic police have also highlighted an increased risk of accidents during the holiday due to fatigue driving, distracted driving, and quite possibly drunk driving, particularly as individual travel via private vehicles, motorcycles, and electric bikes rises.
Previous Mid-Autumn holidays have shown that nearly 50% of traffic accidents involving casualties occur on national and provincial roads, with property damage incidents being more frequent on highways. Motorcycles are involved in the majority of accidents, followed by small cars and heavy trucks.
Expats should be cautious when traveling by road during the holiday, especially on highways and mountain roads, where sudden lane changes or failure to observe safety distances often lead to accidents. The busiest accident periods are between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, and again from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Safety Recommendations
To ensure safe travels, Hainan’s traffic police provide the following advice for the Mid-Autumn Festival:
Vehicle Inspection: Conduct a safety check on your vehicle before departure, paying close attention to the brakes, steering, tires, and lights. Make sure to carry essential emergency tools, such as warning signs and a jack.
Seatbelts and Speed Limits: All passengers must wear seatbelts at all times. Avoid speeding, aggressive overtaking, and fatigue driving.
Avoid Drunk Driving: With holiday gatherings and meals, the risk of drunk driving increases. Drivers are reminded to never drink and drive, and always have a designated driver if alcohol is involved.
Highway Etiquette: Maintain a safe speed and distance between vehicles. If congestion occurs, do not cut into other lanes or occupy emergency lanes. When approaching exits, avoid sudden lane changes and do not brake harshly.
Accident Response: In the event of a minor accident, move the vehicles to the side of the road, evacuate passengers, and report the incident. Drivers can use the “Traffic Management 12123” app to settle minor collisions and file claims, (for Chinese speakers).
Ferry Travel Precautions: Drivers planning to leave Hainan by ferry should book tickets in advance and arrive at the port no earlier than three hours before departure. Vehicles without reservations will not be allowed to enter the port.
Navigating Crowded Tourist Areas
Drivers heading to tourist destinations are urged to be cautious and courteous. In crowded areas without traffic lights, such as narrow roads or scenic spots, drivers should not rush or make sudden turns. When approaching tunnels or pedestrian crossings, use preventive braking and reduce speed.
For those relying on public transportation, it’s important to board at official stations and only use licensed buses or vehicles from accredited travel agencies. Expats are encouraged to avoid taking illegal or overcrowded vehicles.
Mountain Road Safety
Mountain roads present their own challenges, with sharp turns, steep slopes, and sections running alongside cliffs or bodies of water. Drivers should reduce speed, be vigilant, and keep an eye out for pedestrians and vehicles, especially when passing through villages or towns. In particular, mountain roads are notorious for drivers overtaking on blind corners, be extra vigilant!!
From everyone here at TropicalHainan.com, enjoy a smooth and safe Mid-Autumn Festival holiday.
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