In tunnels
Driving through tunnels is essentially different from driving on an open road.
Overtaking in single-tube tunnels is prohibited (the only single-tube tunnel on Slovenian motorways is the Karavanke tunnel). In tunnels it is also prohibited to turn, drive in reverse or stop, except in emergencies, when we can stop the vehicle in an emergency turn-off – in such case we must stop the engine immediately! When entering and exiting a tunnel, especially in bad weather, driving conditions change very quickly, so we must be more careful than normally.
Safety in tunnels on Slovenian motorways is technically supported by:
- traffic surveillance from control centres via a video system,
- built-in systems of automatic fire detection and reporting, and in newer tunnels also automatic detection of traffic and congestions,
- built-in traffic signalling and communication equipment (traffic lights, systems for emergency calls, safety lighting, etc.),
- emergency turn-offs in longer tunnels,
- in newer double-tube tunnels (Jasovnik, Ločica, Trojane, Podmilj, Kastelec, Dekani, Šentvid) with cross connections between the tunnel tubes.
What is proper driving in a tunnel?
- Turn on the radio and listen to traffic announcements on Radio Slovenia – Val 202 (frequencies: 88.5, 90.0, 91.8, 92.9, 94.1, 96.4)
- Take off sunglasses.
- Observe traffic signalling – prior to entering a tunnel pay attention to the traffic lights which are placed on the portal before the entry into the tunnel and in no case drive into the tunnel if the light on the traffic light is red!
- Keep the prescribed safety distance.
- Cargo vehicle drivers are not allowed to overtake in tunnels.
- Observe traffic regulations and traffic signalling both before the tunnel as well as in it.
- Mandatory: check the level of fuel in the vehicle and turn on the radio even before entering the tunnel!
What to do in case of bottlenecks in a tunnel or a traffic accident?
- Turn on all four indicator lights.
- Pay attention to traffic signalling.
- Keep safety distance, regardless of whether the tailback is moving slowly or standing.
- If the tailback stopped, drive to the uttermost right side of the carriageway and turn off the engine.
- Observe the instructions of the tunnel operator on the Val 202 frequency (88.5, 90.0, 91.8, 92.9, 94.1, 96.4) or via loudspeakers in the tunnel.
- Observe the traffic signalling.
- Do not leave the vehicle unless necessary.
What to do in case of vehicle break-down or being involved in a traffic accident?
- Turn on all four indicator lights!
- Remove the vehicle to an emergency turn-off; if that is not possible, to the uttermost right side of the carriageway!
- Turn off the engine and leave the key in the ignition to start your vehicle!
- Carefully leave the vehicle!
- Call help using SOS phone – emergency call, and not using a mobile phone!
- Provide first aid to the injured, if any!
Remember: Longer tunnels are equipped with video surveillance! Call help exclusively via SOS phone – emergency call! Do everything you can to prevent further accidents!
What to do in case of tailbacks – started fire in your vehicle?
If possible, leave the tunnel with the vehicle! In case that is not possible:
- drive the vehicle to the uttermost right side of the carriageway,
- turn off the engine and leave the key in the ignition to start your vehicle,
- leave the vehicle immediately,
- call help using SOS phone – emergency call, and not using a mobile phone,
- provide first aid to the injured,
- if possible, put out the fire on the vehicle using the fire extinguisher in your vehicle or an extinguisher which is placed in the tunnel,