Tunnels are areas where road safety must be maximized. In them, an emergency situation is even more dangerous, given the difficulty to avoid obstacles and the arrival of emergency services. In addition, visibility and ventilation are lower and the road has less grip than outside.
Therefore, there are a number of basic rules to keep in mind when driving through a tunnel, which also apply to underpasses or interiors such as an underground car park. Given the imminent arrival of the holidays and the departure and return operations, it is convenient to review the safety notions to drive through a tunnel safely.
According to article 115 of the General Traffic Regulations, “even when the driver does not leave his post, he must stop the engine whenever the vehicle is stopped inside a tunnel or in a closed place and during fueling”. It adds that “any driver who is forced to remain with his vehicle stopped inside a tunnel or other closed place, for a period of time greater than two minutes, must interrupt the operation of the engine until he can continue driving, keeping position lighting on”.
Therefore, if you come across a traffic jam inside a tunnel with your vehicle and the stopping time exceeds two minutes, you must turn off the engine, activate the emergency or warning lights and keep the position lights on.
The way to proceed is similar when you suffer a breakdown with the car that prevents you from continuing with the march. In this case, according to article 97 of the General Traffic Regulations, if for emergency reasons a driver is immobilized with his vehicle inside a tunnel or underpass, he must turn off the engine, connect the emergency signal and keep the warning lights on. position.
When possible, it is advisable to direct the vehicle towards the area reserved for emergency closest to the direction of travel. If it does not exist, the vehicle must be immobilized as close as possible to the right edge of the road, as well as positioning and activating the danger warning light device. Next, you have to request help through the help post and follow the relevant instructions.
In addition, both the driver and the other occupants have to leave the vehicle, going to the nearest refuge or exit, without traveling on the road if there are areas excluded from the circulation of vehicles. If it is a fault that allows the vehicle to move, you must continue until the exit of the tunnel or underpass and, if this is not possible, until an area reserved for emergencies.
