During the National Day holiday, Linzhi is rich with autumn colors. As tens oftourists drive toward the landscapes of Linzhi, there is a group of people for whom "always on the road" has become the norm during holidays.

At dawn on October 4, the morning mist along the Bomi–Medog Highway had not yet dissipated. Xian Junxiang, discipline inspection commissioner of the Bomi Maintenance Section, put on his orange maintenance uniform, picked up his inspection log, and set out with colleagues by vehicle toward the Bomi–Medog direction to conduct patrols. This highway is characterized by numerous curves, steep gradients, and sections adjacent to water and cliffs, with fragmented mountain bodies along the route, making maintenance tasks extremely demanding.

Xian Junxiang said that during the National Day holiday, self-driving traffic on this section increased substantially. From October 1 to 4 alone, traffic volume in the Bomi–Medog direction reached 5,966 vehicle trips.

"The more it is a holiday, the more we must stay alert," Xian Junxiang said. According to the "even-numbered days for entry, odd-numbered days for exit" traffic regulation, traffic peaks are concentrated on October 2 and 4 from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00. The maintenance section strictly implements the 24-hour duty and leadership-on-shift system. All work zones and traffic-safety points remain on standby at all times, patrols on key sections are intensified, emergency rescue machinery and equipment are prepositioned, and preparations are maintained to respond to emergencies at any time.

Speaking of the most memorable emergency response experience, Xian Junxiang recalled a self-driving vehicle assistance alert on the eve of this year's National Day. At that time, the road surface was wet and slippery with accumulated water. Due to improper operation by the driver, a self-driving vehicle's wheel accidentally became stuck in a roadside drainage ditch, leaving the vehicle chassis suspended and the vehicle trapped in a dilemma of being unable to move forward or backward. In a panic, the driver gathered stones to pave the way for rescue. Unexpectedly, the vehicle not only failed to extricate itself, but instead slowly slid toward the slope, further aggravating the dangerous situation.

After the dangerous situation occurred, maintenance workers arrived at the scene immediately. They first evacuated personnel, then carefully lifted the vehicle using a horizontal jack supplemented with square wooden blocks. After more than half an hour of rescue efforts, they successfully helped the vehicle get out of danger safely and fully resolved the road emergency.

Afterward, they stood by the roadside again, repeatedly explaining to passing tourists the risks of slippery roads and shoulder collapse.

"Many tourists only look at scenic spot guides and never think there are safety hazards on the road," Xian Junxiang said. "What we guard is not just a road, but the safety of every person. Although the work is hard, when we see vehicles passing safely and tourists waving their thanks, we feel all our efforts are very meaningful."

During the National Day holiday, cadres and employees of the Linzhi Highway Development Center and its staff stayed on the highway frontline. In the face of holiday rainfall and temperature drops, high-altitude sleet, and geological hazard risks, they solidly carried out key work such as patrol and emergency rescue on national and provincial trunk lines, emergency response, and service support. On this basis, the four service stations, 24 toilets, and parking areas of the Linzhi Highway Development Center remained open around the clock. Convenience service points were established, fully stocked with first-aid medicines, umbrellas, drinking water, and other supplies. Electronic screens continuously broadcast road conditions, meteorological information, and geological hazard reminders, delivering considerate services to every driver and tourist.

This National Day, from Bomi to Medog, from Sejila to all national and provincial trunk lines, Linzhi highway workers, with the commitment of "I am on duty during National Day," guarded every road and every person on the journey.

Reporter: Phuntsok Norkyi

Translator: Tenzin Seldron

First Review: Zhi Xinghua

Second Review: Drakpa Wangchen

Third Review: Hu Rongguo