What are the safety precautions for driving in tunnels?
3 Answers
Key precautions include slowing down and turning on low beams before entering the tunnel, maintaining a safe following distance, avoiding handling vehicle breakdowns inside the tunnel if possible, refraining from sudden acceleration when exiting the tunnel, avoiding the use of high beams, and prohibiting lane changes or overtaking. Below are detailed explanations: 1. Slow down and turn on low beams before entering the tunnel: Approximately 100 meters before entering the tunnel, reduce speed, increase the following distance, and turn on headlights to enter the tunnel safely at a relatively slow speed, generally not exceeding 60 km/h. The exact speed should follow the posted speed limit signs before the tunnel. Driving with low beams in the tunnel not only improves visibility of the road ahead but also makes your vehicle more noticeable to others. This is crucial, as most tunnel accidents occur due to misjudgment of other vehicles' positions. 2. Maintain a safe following distance: Keeping a sufficient distance ensures enough space for evasive maneuvers and enhances safety. Typically, a following distance of over 100 meters is recommended inside tunnels. For longer tunnels, adjust the distance according to posted guidelines. 3. If a breakdown occurs, try to exit the tunnel before handling it: If your vehicle experiences a malfunction inside the tunnel, attempt to drive out of the tunnel before addressing the issue. Poor lighting inside tunnels makes it difficult to take corrective measures, and the environment poses additional hazards. Exiting the tunnel is the safest option. 4. Avoid sudden acceleration when exiting the tunnel: Upon exiting, drivers may experience the "white hole effect," temporarily impairing vision. Be cautious and avoid accelerating abruptly to prevent rear-end collisions with slower-moving vehicles ahead. 5. Avoid using high beams: Prolonged use of high beams at night can impair the vision of oncoming and preceding drivers, as the intense light causes temporary blindness. Inside tunnels, the contrast between tunnel lighting and external light already strains drivers' vision. High beams exacerbate this effect, increasing the risk of accidents, so they should be avoided. 6. No lane changes or overtaking: Due to poor lighting conditions, especially near tunnel exits, and typically limited lanes (often only two or three), lane changes are strictly prohibited inside tunnels. Always stay in your designated lane and refrain from overtaking.
I always prepare in advance when entering a tunnel. It's crucial to turn on the low beam headlights as soon as I approach the tunnel entrance because the drastic contrast in light between the inside and outside requires time for my eyes to adjust. I also remind myself to maintain a safe following distance of at least 100 meters—limited visibility in tunnels means extra reaction space is needed in case the car ahead brakes suddenly or breaks down. Since lane changes and parking are usually prohibited inside tunnels, I keep a firm grip on the steering wheel, follow patiently, and avoid distractions like using my phone or playing music too loudly. Once, I encountered thick smoke inside a tunnel, which scared me into quickly closing the windows to prevent exhaust inhalation. I also noticed blinding sunlight at the exit, so I always slow down beforehand. Sudden incidents are the biggest fear in tunnel driving, and keeping these tips in mind significantly reduces risks.
Before entering the tunnel, I habitually check if the headlights are working properly, as driving without lights makes it easy to be rear-ended by vehicles behind. Inside the tunnel, the lanes are narrow with strong echoes, so I'm extra careful not to cross the line or make sharp turns. Speed control is crucial, usually maintaining around 60-80 km/h. In terms of distance, I strictly adhere to a 100-meter gap, which is especially necessary in tunnels because visibility is low, and even a slightly closer distance could lead to an accident. There might be dripping water or fog at the top of the tunnel, affecting visibility, so I always keep my eyes fixed straight ahead. In areas with poor ventilation, it's advisable to turn on the air recirculation to reduce exhaust inhalation. Before exiting the tunnel, I also prepare for the sudden change in light by adjusting the sun visor appropriately. Being familiar with these details makes driving through tunnels much more reassuring.
