How to behave correctly in traffic jams: what can you do to avoid convoys?

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The most beautiful days of the year are at the door. However, whatever mode of transportation you choose, getting to the desired resort is often a pain.

About half of Swiss people travel in their own car. The large volume of traffic, combined with construction sites and occasional accidents, causes traffic jams that often stretch for miles. Already last year there was a record of traffic jams. There were already several major traffic jams in 2023, and transport associations expect further increases in traffic volume towards the summer. What should be considered in order not to be a part of the traffic jam problem?

A large number of tourists travel through Switzerland in July and August, especially between Friday and Monday. As with the flight, Tuesday to Thursday are the days with the lowest traffic frequencies. If you’re out very early or late in the evening, you can usually expect slightly less traffic. It’s definitely worth checking out traffic jam information from TCS, SRF or Autostau.ch before you hit the road.

Traffic jams are mainly caused by a lack of predictive driving. On multi-lane highways, vehicles should always be as far to the right (not in the middle!) as possible. Change lanes only when necessary. Driving close is just as dangerous as sudden braking. And do not be distracted – neither by the cell phone, nor by the children.

After all, if you get stuck in a traffic jam, there are a number of rules that must be followed. First of all, the hazard lights must be turned on. This allows other road users to recognize the danger and slow down.

If the traffic is slow but still flowing, you should avoid changing lanes. The rightmost hard shoulder cannot be used unless the local police allow it.

It is strictly forbidden to turn back from connection roads or avoid traffic jams. This turns you into a misguided driver, which is life-threatening behavior and will be penalized accordingly.

It is forbidden to leave your own car. If the traffic is dead, you can go outside to relax. However, there should always be someone available to drive in case traffic starts moving again. It can also be turned off when the engine is stopped. In traffic jams in tunnels, the engine must be turned off.

Finally, the possibility of creating a recovery lane should always be guaranteed. As a rule, cars are lined up left and right to form a rescue lane in the middle. Note: In Belgium, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, one lane must be left blank for rescue vehicles. This is done by keeping one lane on the far right clean. And very important: It is forbidden to follow the rescue vehicles from the rescue lane.

Source :Blick