Signs for tunnels and safety
How to interpret tunnel signs and use them to drive more safely underground.
In a tunnel, signs matter more than many people realise. They do not only tell you where you are, but also how to handle speed, following distance, stopping and emergencies.
What you need to know
- Tunnel signs help you read safety zones and emergency exits quickly.
- Speed and distance become especially important when you lose daylight and shoulder space.
- You need to know where emergency equipment and evacuation options are before anything happens.
Typical situations
| Situation | What you should do | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Long tunnel with a queue | Keep your distance and follow signs for safety and ventilation carefully. | Creeping too close behind the car ahead. |
| Emergency phone or fire cabinet marked | Notice the location while you are driving. | Only discovering the equipment when an emergency is already under way. |
| Closed lane or incident in a tunnel | Follow variable signs and signals immediately. | Thinking normal driving patterns still apply. |
Common mistakes
- Treating a tunnel like an ordinary road with a roof.
- Overlooking safety signs because you focus too much on your driving line.
- Losing your following distance when the light and sense of space change.
How to practice
Read this together with Driving in tunnels , Tunnel safety and evacuation and Information signs .