What to Do If You Run Out of Gas on the Freeway? 5 Lifesaving SOPs Learned from the Porsche Incident
A recent video from a national freeway went viral online— A woman driving a Porsche ran out of gas and broke down right in the middle lane of the freeway! When the police arrived and advised her to get the car towed as soon as possible, she said with a look of annoyance:
"The tow truck will damage my car, I don't want it towed!"
The most classic part was when she added:
"Didn't I call you guys to help me? Why didn't you bring gas?"
The police were furious on the spot and couldn't help but retort:
"We don't offer that service, we're not dogs!"
After this video was exposed, it ignited the anger of netizens across Taiwan, who flooded the comments section with sarcastic remarks!
💬Netizens' comments were a barrage of roasts and sarcasm:
- @張君寶-f4s: "Asking the police to deliver gas? Might as well order some fried chicken and bubble tea while you're at it!"
- @ymw5017: "Got money to buy the car, but no money for gas? Can't even read the fuel gauge?? Pathetic 🤣"
- @海豚-b7k: "Got money for a fancy car, but no money to go to school and learn something?"
- @pituboy: "It's always these kinds of difficult people, wasting social resources."
- @Blue771027: "The 3000 ticket is cheaper than towing... no wonder she's stuck there."
- @Tancer4: "Another super clueless mom who mistook the water temperature gauge for the fuel gauge."
- @葉豐洲: "Might as well have a barbecue on the freeway next time, since you don't want to move, just stay put 😅"
- @阿勛-x9x: "The police probably just wanted to throw their hands up and go home 🙄"
- @小馨-l5h: "This is ridiculous, and she even talked back to the police! Thinks she's a princess just because she drives a Porsche?"
⚠️ The freeway is not your personal parking lot!
Running out of gas isn't the main point, being stuck in the middle lane of the freeway is the super dangerous part! What's more, this incident happened at night, when visibility is poor, making it even harder for high-speed vehicles to notice a stationary obstacle ahead. In this situation, any slight negligence could lead to a tragic chain-reaction collision. With cars behind traveling at over 100 km/h, a moment's distraction could cause a major casualty accident. Towing isn't to mess with you, it's to save you and other road users!
And, the police are really not your personal chauffeurs, let alone Uber Eats!
What We Should Learn from the Porsche Incident: 5 Lifesaving SOPs for Everyone
Although this incident seems absurd, it's a microcosm of an emergency situation that any of us drivers could encounter. The point isn't "why did she run out of gas," but "what should you do after breaking down." Here is the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that anyone should remember when their vehicle breaks down on the freeway:
SOP 1: Hit the Hazard Lights, Gently Glide to the Side
The moment you realize your car is dying, the first thing to do is immediately turn on the hazard lights (double flashers), to let the cars behind you know, "I'm not kidding, I'm really in trouble!" Then, using the car's last bit of strength, gently, and as much as possible, move it to the shoulder or the safest possible spot. Stopping in any lane is like playing Russian roulette.
SOP 2: Everybody Out!
Once the car is parked, don't just sit there taking selfies for TikTok! Please have all passengers immediately exit the vehicle and quickly move to a safe location, such as behind the guardrail. Absolutely, do not stay in the car, or hang around next to it. On the freeway, your beloved car instantly becomes a giant magnet, but it's not attracting likes, it's attracting danger.
SOP 3: Place a Warning Sign, Be a Considerate Road User
Place your vehicle's breakdown warning sign (yes, that red triangle) at least 100 meters behind the vehicle (which is about 120 adult steps). This is a life-saving reminder to the drivers behind you: "There's a situation ahead, please slow down!" Especially at night or in bad weather, this action can really save lives.
SOP 4: Call the Right People for Help, Don't Bother the Police
The police's superpowers do not include "teleporting gas" or "fixing cars with their bare hands." When you have a vehicle problem, the correct way to get help is:
- Call the local emergency rescue number: Every country has different emergency numbers, it's best to know them before you set off.
- Use a roadside assistance app: Apps like Road Savior can send your location and needs with one click, letting multiple nearby tow trucks proactively quote you. You can compare prices, check driver ratings, and smartly choose the most reliable service, avoiding being taken for a ride.
SOP 5: Keep Your Cool, Cooperate with the Professionals
In an emergency, please remain calm and fully cooperate with the instructions of law enforcement on the scene. Their primary task is to ensure everyone's safety, including yours. Arguing with them is like joking with your own safety, it not only wastes rescue time but can also put you in greater danger.
Conclusion: It's Not What Car You Drive, It's Your Road Safety Awareness That Matters
The best lesson from this incident is a reminder that, regardless of whether you drive a luxury car, having the correct road safety awareness and emergency response knowledge is what can truly protect you and get you home safely. Next time you hit the road, besides checking your fuel tank, please keep these 5 SOPs in mind.
