Transiting through tunnels safely

Having the best possible safety installations in road tunnels is one way of ensuring that tunnels are as safe as possible. By driving correctly, road users can make tunnels even safer. Below is a series of suggestions to ensure an accident-free journey. Also included are instructions on what to do in the event of an incident inside a tunnel.

Entering and driving through tunnels

• Switch on the headlights, take off your sunglasses und fold up the sun visor
• Listen to the traffic reports on the radio (in Austria, for example, the radio station Ö3 or one of the country-wide regional or private radio stations)
• If necessary, switch on your windscreen wipers (windscreens can quickly fog up in tunnels)
• Pay attention to traffic signals and information panels
• Pay attention to traffic lights and road markings
• Keep a safe distance
• Stick to the speed limit
• Stop only in the emergency bays, do not turn around in the tunnel.

If traffic comes to a standstill

• Do not turn around or reverse.
• Switch off the engine
• Listen to the traffic reports on the radio in Austria, for example, the station Ö3 or country-wide regional or private radio stations)
• Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front
• Pay attention to traffic signals and information panels
• Pay attention to traffic signs and road markings
• If applicable, follow the instructions of the tunnel personnel.

If you have a breakdown or there is an accident in the tunnel

• Switch on your hazard lights
• Park your vehicle on the hard shoulder, in an emergency bay or along the right edge of the road
• Put on your high-visibility vest
• If after a breakdown or accident the vehicle is located outside an emergency bay it should be signalled using a hazard warning triangle
• Switch off the engine and leave the key in the ignition
• Use emergency call facilities (phone, “SOS“ or “fire“ buttons).
• DO NOT USE YOUR MOBILE PHONE
• Administer first aid

If there is a fire

• Switch on your hazard lights
• If your vehicle is on fire: if possible, leave your vehicle on the hard shoulder, in the emergency bay or on the right-hand edge of the road to allow the emergency services to pass
• Switch off the engine, leave the keys in the ignition and immediately leave your vehicle
• If possible, extinguish the fire while it is still small, using the fire extinguishers and hoses available in the tunnel
• Administer first aid
• Use emergency call facilities (telephone, the “SOS“ or “fire” buttons)
• DO NOT USE YOUR MOBILE PHONE
• Help others reach safety
• If there is a lot of smoke, immediately leave the tunnel using the escape routes and follow the instructions of the tunnel personnel

Safety notices

Left-hand column, from top to bottom

• This sign can be found at the entrance to any tunnel longer than 500 m
• Switch on dipped headlights; remove sunglasses
• Speed limit
• Emergency bay

Right-hand column, from top to bottom

• Listen to traffic reports on the radio
• Emergency call and fire alarm
• Fire extinguisher
• Escape route

Tunnel equipment

Emergency call facilities in the tunnel and near the tunnel mouth

Emergency call facilities are located in the tunnel in walk-in bays situated at intervals of approximately 125 m. Near the mouths of the tunnel the emergency call facilities are located in a closed booth. The emergency call bay or booth is lit from the inside and the door handle activates a contact when opened. A handset is available for making emergency calls. In addition, manual alarm buttons are provided to signal SOS or a fire.

Fire-fighting stations

Fire-fighting stations located every 125 to 150 metres include points for drawing fire-extinguishing water. The fire-fighting stations are equipped in consultation with the local fire departments. Every fire-fighting station is provided with a fire hydrant.

Escape and rescue routes

Escape and rescue routes are cross-cut shafts leading to the adjacent tunnel or to shafts leading from the tunnel interior to the outside. They are signposted in the tunnel. Signs distinguish between:

• Cross-cut shafts suitable for emergency vehicles, located at intervals of no more than 1,000 metres.
• Cross-cut shafts for use by pedestrians are located every 250 to 500 metres.

Stopping places/emergency bays

At most every 1,000 metres emergency bays are situated on the right-hand side, in the direction of travel, in which vehicles can be parked in the event of a breakdown or accident.

Ventilation systems

Under normal operating conditions ventilation systems inside tunnels ensure that pollutant concentrations do not exceed the lower limits.

A distinction is made between longitudinal and transverse ventilation systems. In longitudinally ventilated tunnels ventilation is by jet fan ventilators mounted on the tunnel ceiling. In tunnels with transverse ventilation, ventilation is by adjustable axial ventilators and exhaust-air louvers mounted in the intermediate ceiling. In the event of a fire, the louvers are used for local extraction.

Modern tunnel monitoring from high-tech control rooms

Tunnel installations are permanently monitored by specially trained operators. Control centres are equipped to monitor several tunnels at once. Automated systems such as video monitors, video image analysis and fire alarm system ensure a rapid response in the event of an incident.

Further information:

www.asfinag.at/verkehrssicherheit/sicherheitslexikon