Safety Interventions, Technologies and Tools

Tunnel safety

Below are some guidelines on how to behave in tunnels and deal with different circumstances that may occur:

(In the event of an emergency in tunnel, contact the single emergency number 112).

1 - Safe Behaviour in Tunnels

For safe driving in tunnels:

1
CHECK THAT THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS ARE ON
2
REMOVE SUNGLASSES
3
PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THREE-LIGHT TRAFFIC LIGHTS, ARROW/CROSS SIGNALS OR VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGNS, IF PRESENT
4
ALWAYS KEEP AN APPROPRIATE DISTANCE FROM THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF YOU
5
DO NOT EXCEED SPEED LIMITS
6
NEVER DO U-TURNS OR BACK UP

In the event of an emergency, identify SOS columns and emergency exits. Only stop if strictly necessary by switching on the hazard lights (four arrows). Use the radio for live traffic information.

2 - Three-light traffic lights

Three-light traffic lights are installed the entrance of most of Autostrade per l'Italia's tunnels, or inside them:

1
GREEN LIGHTS INDICATE THAT THE TUNNEL IS ACCESSIBLE
2
RED LIGHTS INDICATE THAT THE TUNNEL IS NOT ACCESSIBLE DUE TO ACCIDENT OR FIRE
3
FLASHING YELLOW LIGHTS INDICATE THE OCCURRANCE OF EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES, SUCH AS WORK SITES OR STATIONARY VEHICLES DUE TO BREAKDOWN OR ACCIDENT

Red lights indicate the tunnel is not accessible, requiring a safe stop. In this case, the arrow/cross signals will also show all red cross symbols.

If the traffic lights show flashing yellow lights, users must proceed with greater caution and pay attention to further possible signals on the route.

3 - Arrow/cross signal

Arrow/Cross light signals operate at the entrance of most tunnels along the network. The green arrow indicates that the lane is accessible; the red cross indicates that the lane is not accessible due to stationary vehicles, accidents or works, requiring users to change lane.

If all lanes show the red cross symbol, the tunnel is not accessible, requiring safe stop without entering.

4 - Broken-down vehicle

In the event of a broken-down vehicle in tunnel:

1
SWITCH ON THE HAZARD LIGHTS (FOUR ARROWS)
2
IF POSSIBLE, TRY TO GET THE VEHICLE SAFELY OUT OF THE TUNNEL
3
ALTERNATIVELY, STOP IN THE EMERGENCY LANE OR ON THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE OF THE CARRIAGEWAY
4
SWITCH OFF THE ENGINE, LEAVING THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION
5
wear a reflective waistcoat
6
PLACE THE BROKEN-DOWN VEHICLE SIGN AND CALL 112; ALTERNATIVELY, USE THE SOS COLUMN TO CALL FOR ASSISTANCE
6
reach the tunnel exit or emergency exits

5 - What do in the event of fire

Tunnels are fitted with emergency exits to reach the other tunnel or safe places to await the arrival of rescuers. In the event of fire:

1
switch on the hazard lights
2
stop the vehicle as far as possible from the vehicle on fire,
3
never do U-turns or back up
4
MOVE AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT LINGERING TO RETRIEVE PERSONAL BELONGINGS AND FOLLOW THE SIGNS TO REACH THE EMERGENCY EXITS, INCLUDING PROTECTED ESCAPE ROUTES MARKED BY SIGNS
5
always pay close attention to passing vehicles
6
CONTACT EMERGENCY SERVICES, VIA THE SOS COLUMNS OR CALL 112, PROVIDING ALL NECESSARY INFORMATION.

6 - Queue in tunnel and traffic jam

In the event of queues or traffic jam in tunnel, to ensure greater collective safety:

1
switch on the hazard lights (four arrows)
2
always leave the way clear for any emergency vehicles
3
SWITCH OFF THE ENGINE AND DO NOT GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE
4
Never do U-turns or back up