We’re doing it wrong in the tunnel

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1. Slow down

Many will automatically slow down as they approach the black hole, even if the speed limit remains the same. The reaction is normal as it contracts and the light changes. However, if visibility, traffic and the limit permit, please continue to drive consistently. As a result, distances don’t get shorter all of a sudden, and traffic jams don’t form “out of the blue”, preventing impatient drivers from getting frustrated and getting backdoors to slower ones.

2. Dipped beam is not on

Modern cars have automatic headlights that switch from daytime running lights to dipped headlights in the tunnel. It works more reliably in the tunnel than, for example, in the rain or fog. However, a quick check won’t hurt. Common but forbidden: Parking lights outside the tunnel are not daytime running lights, and inside the tunnel they are not dipped beams. If you are driving a car without automatic headlights, you must manually turn on the dipped headlights. It’s not just about seeing better, it’s about being seen better. This is often forgotten, especially in tunnels with white walls and powerful LED lights. Everything about light is here.

3. Keep the sunglasses on

You must remove your sunglasses before entering the tunnel. Eyeglass wearers who will have to completely replace their glasses should wear regular glasses on a multi-tunnel or long-tunnel route. The dark tunnels are like a night drive with sunglasses. Our eyes strain more, we get more tired, we notice less of danger, and we react more slowly.

4. Turn off traffic information

Your favorite music, audiobook or podcast on Spotify has one drawback: If you turn off traffic information interruptions (or the radio altogether), there will be no information about dangerous situations – so we cannot react correctly. In the event of a fire in a long tunnel, early intervention can save lives. You must therefore switch to radio reception in the tunnel or activate traffic information.

5. Tunnel air in the car

The weather in the tunnel is not very good. You can already see this on the darkened walls: exhaust fumes and tire wear pollute the air. If we do not put the air conditioner in recirculation mode before entering the tunnel, the unhealthy smell will get into the car. Therefore switch to circulating air and, more importantly, switch to fresh air again at the end of the tunnel.

Especially when it rains, the inside and outside of the windows can darken. So be prepared to use the windshield wipers in the tunnel and point the vent towards the windshield. If that’s not enough, turn on the air conditioner as it removes moisture from the air very quickly.

6. To follow very closely

Half the speedometer – this rule should make sense for every driver. Half the speed in meters is considered the ideal distance to the vehicle ahead. In other words: 60 meters at 120 km/h. In the tunnel, if in doubt, the distance should be even greater. Unlike a country road or highway, you cannot turn right if you are surprised by the sudden braking maneuver of the car in front.

7. Flip or flip

Most tunnels are one-way streets, with oncoming traffic separating the lanes with at least twice the length of the safety line. You have to imagine it as a solid wall: old navigation systems lose the signal and say “Please come back!” to say. Turn only where allowed – outside the tunnel.

Source: Blick