Portable Toilets During National Day Highway Traffic Jams

During National Day highway traffic jams, there are no directly available portable toilets, but the following methods can be used to address urgent needs:

1. Plan Service Areas and Parking Zones in Advance

According to the new design specifications for highway service facilities implemented in 2026, the rest needs of drivers have been incorporated into the spacing planning of service facilities along highways. In addition to large service areas, some road sections are equipped with basic service facilities such as parking zones. It is recommended to use navigation software before traveling to check the nearest service areas, parking zones, or exits where you can safely leave the highway, and plan your parking and restroom breaks in advance to avoid exacerbating congestion or the risk of illegal parking while searching for a spot. For example, you can prioritize service areas that are closer and have better facilities, or use the navigation's "next exit" feature to leave the highway early and find a public restroom.

2. Prepare Emergency Tools

1. Emergency Solutions for Men: Use a wide-mouthed portable urinal or a sealed container (such as a modified water bottle) for emergencies, but ensure the vehicle is stationary and parked in a safe area (such as a service area or parking zone) to avoid operating while driving. The container should have a sufficiently large opening (to prevent spills), adequate capacity (for a single use), and good sealing (to prevent odor diffusion).
2. Emergency Solutions for Women/Children/Elderly: Prepare a female portable urinal with a urine bag, a wide-mouthed sealed container, or a disposable emergency urine bag (containing absorbent material that quickly solidifies liquid) in advance. These tools reduce the range of body movement and improve the operability of emergency handling in the vehicle, especially suitable for those with limited mobility or unable to hold their urine for long periods.

3. Safety and Health Reminders

1. Prohibition of Illegal Parking: Parking on the emergency lane of highways is prohibited except in emergencies, and the risk to passengers getting out of the vehicle is extremely high. There have been cases where children were allowed to get out of the vehicle in the first lane to use the restroom during a traffic jam, resulting in them chasing after the vehicle alone. Fortunately, they were helped by a kind driver to avoid danger. Illegal parking not only may cause traffic accidents but also faces fines and point deductions.
2. Avoid Holding Urine for Long Periods: Holding urine for long periods may cause urinary tract infections, cystitis, and other issues, especially affecting the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with urinary system diseases more severely. Drivers distracted by urgent needs are more likely to cause accidents, so it is essential to prioritize reducing risks and finding legal parking conditions.

4. Handling Special Situations

If the driver's physical discomfort (such as severe diarrhea or vomiting) seriously affects vehicle control, immediately seek assistance through road rescue (such as calling 12122) or traffic management channels, rather than enduring it or parking illegally. Life safety is paramount, and in emergencies, personal safety must be prioritized.