Beware The Holes In The Ground

This time though it isn’t potholes under discussion, it is something much bigger and much deeper. Tunnels. These long tubes in the earth can, surprisingly, present serious problems for drivers who are not used to experiencing them. We don’t come across that many in the UK, but they are quite common on continental Europe.

Tourist Traps
Did you know, for example, that vehicle fires in Europe’s magnificent Mont Blanc and Gotthard tunnels have claimed fifty lives between them? Many died because they wrongly believed they should wait in their vehicles for help, rather than getting out of the tunnel as soon as possible. It seems like stating the obvious but it may well be that folk believe they should stay with the vehicle for the safety of others.

Regardless of the length of the tunnel, an accident in one will present unique problems and knowing what to do is essential. Before entering a tunnel always check your fuel gauge in plenty of time, don’t risk running out in a tunnel – assuming you know they are on your route. Ideally it is best not to let the fuel tank get too low at any time.

Keep Informed
Turn on the radio to find local traffic information station. Some larger European road tunnels have their own radio as well as electronic signs. That’s how seriously they take it. Remember to take off your sunglasses as they will hinder your eyesight in the dim light of a tunnel.

Learn The Rules
On entering the tunnel always turn on dipped headlights. This is mostly mandatory anyway. In Spain for example, drivers will get irate if you don’t do it. Do not use full beam as this will dazzle other motorists and don’t, whatever you do, exceed the speed limit.

Always leave plenty of room between yourself and the car in front and watch out for brake lights. Keep an eye out for the location of emergency pedestrian exits just in case you may need one. In two-way tunnels, keep well to the nearside kerb because you don’t know if oncoming drivers will inadvertently ride the crown of the road.

Safety First
Do not change lanes unless instructed to. If you break down switch on your hazard warning lights immediately and try to coast to a breakdown lay-by. If none are available, stop as close to the nearside kerb as possible. Turn off the engine but leave the key in the ignition so the vehicle can be moved. Then evacuate the vehicle, making sure everyone is in a safe place – well away from the car and on the pedestrian walkway if there is one. In most European countries you should carry a reflective jacket which must be worn when out of the vehicle and if you walk to the nearest emergency phone to inform the operator.

One of the most frightening things is fire. The major tunnels will have a procedure so only try and extinguish the fire is if someone’s life is threatened. In all other cases leg it as quickly as you can – do not wait to be told what to do.

In the UK most drivers already have a basic understanding of the rules of the road. In Europe things are often different. Always read the signs and do your homework. A tunnel is a bad place to get caught out.