What are the safety precautions for driving in tunnels?
3 Answers
The safety precautions for driving in tunnels are as follows: 1. Slow down and turn on low beams before entering the tunnel: About 100 meters before entering the tunnel, you should reduce speed, increase the following distance, and turn on headlights. Maintain a relatively slower speed to enter the tunnel safely, generally not exceeding 60 km/h. The specific speed should follow the speed limit signs before the tunnel. Driving with low beams in the tunnel not only helps you see the road ahead clearly but also makes your vehicle more visible to others. This is crucial because most tunnel accidents are caused by drivers misjudging the positions of other vehicles. 2. Maintain a safe following distance: Keeping a safe distance ensures you have enough space to avoid hazards. Generally, maintain a distance of at least 100 meters in the tunnel. For longer tunnels, follow the posted guidelines for safe driving distances. 3. If a breakdown occurs, try to leave the tunnel before handling it: If your vehicle breaks down in the tunnel, try to exit the tunnel first, as poor lighting makes it difficult to take measures inside. Additionally, tunnels have more hazards, so leaving is the best way to protect yourself. 4. Do not accelerate hastily when exiting the tunnel: When exiting the tunnel, drivers may experience the 'white hole effect,' so be extra cautious. Avoid sudden acceleration to prevent rear-ending slower vehicles ahead. 5. Avoid using high beams: Prolonged use of high beams at night can affect oncoming and leading vehicles, as they can cause temporary blindness. In tunnels, the contrast between inside and outside lighting already strains drivers' vision, and high beams can increase the risk of accidents. 6. Do not change lanes or overtake: Due to poor lighting in tunnels, especially near exits, and typically only two or three lanes, lane changes are strictly prohibited. Always stay in your lane and avoid overtaking.
Whenever I enter a tunnel, I always remind myself of that lesson when I almost rear-ended someone because I didn't turn on the lights in advance. So now, as soon as I enter a tunnel, I immediately turn on the low beams to ensure clear visibility and make sure other drivers can see me. Maintaining a safe distance is super important—the flickering light and shadows in tunnels can easily cause misjudgment of distance, so leave at least 50 meters in case of sudden braking. Pay close attention to speed limit signs and don't exceed the speed to avoid delayed reactions. Put away your phone and don't use it—distraction is the root cause of accidents. If your car breaks down, stay calm, slowly move to the emergency zone, turn on the hazard lights, and call for help. Ventilation is also important—long tunnels have a lot of exhaust fumes, so switch to external air circulation for better airflow. Developing these habits greatly improves safety, and you won’t panic when driving at night either.
As a parent who often takes road trips with my child, tunnel safety primarily focuses on lighting and maintaining proper distance. Before entering the tunnel, check that the headlights are on to avoid sudden darkness and blurred vision. Maintain a steady speed within the limit, avoiding sudden acceleration or deceleration. Keep sufficient distance from the vehicle ahead to ensure timely braking response. Don’t let children make noise or play with phones to avoid distractions—staying focused on driving is crucial. In case of any issues, avoid sudden braking; instead, pull over to the right emergency area and turn on hazard lights. When exiting the tunnel, the sunlight can be blinding, so slow down in advance and wear sunglasses to adjust. These details ensure a safer and smoother journey for the whole family.
