Tunnel safety and evacuation

Norway has more than 1,100 road tunnels, and most drivers pass through several every week. Most journeys are uneventful, but when something goes wrong - fire, collision or breakdown - it is crucial to know what to do. This article explains safety systems, warnings and fast evacuation.

Tunnel types in Norway

Tunnel type	Length	Typical systems
Short tunnels	Under 500 m	Lighting, sometimes emergency phone
Medium tunnels	500-3,000 m	Fire detection, emergency phone, camera surveillance
Long tunnels	3,000-10,000 m	Smoke ventilation, emergency exits, loudspeakers
Undersea tunnels	Varies	Pumps, extra fire and rescue equipment

Examples: Laerdal Tunnel (24.5 km), Bomlafjord Tunnel and Oslofjord Tunnel.

Preparations before entering

Turn off the start/stop function before a planned long tunnel if appropriate
Check fuel level - EVs should also have a buffer
Switch on dipped headlights before the tunnel entrance
Keep a normal following distance to the vehicle ahead

For more on driving technique in tunnels, see Driving in tunnels .

How tunnels are equipped

Equipment	Typical placement	Use
Emergency phone	Every 125-250 m	Direct contact with the traffic control centre
Fire extinguisher	Every 125 m	Usually a 6-9 kg powder extinguisher
Fire hydrant	Every 250 m	For the fire service
Emergency exit	Every 250-500 m	Leads outside or to a parallel tunnel
Turning niche	Varies	Used in special blockage situations
Cameras	Dense coverage	Monitored continuously
Variable signs	At tunnel mouths and inside	Speed limits, closures and warnings

What to do in a queue or breakdown

Keep at least 15 metres to the vehicle in front.
Switch on your hazard lights.
Do not turn off the engine unless you expect a prolonged standstill.
Listen for instructions from the loudspeaker system or variable signs.
Do not leave the car unless you are told to do so.

Fire in your own or another vehicle

React immediately, but calmly:

Stop as close to the wall as possible, preferably near an emergency exit
Turn off the engine and take the key with you
Leave the car and evacuate toward the emergency exit - downstream of the smoke
Close the doors to limit airflow to the fire
Use a fire extinguisher only for a small fire and only if there is no smoke

For more, see Car fire and evacuation .

Smoke is the biggest danger

Fire in a tunnel rarely harms you directly. Smoke gases kill quickly, especially carbon monoxide (CO) and cyanide. Therefore:

Leave the car as soon as the smoke becomes thick
Bend down - visibility is better near the floor
Use a piece of clothing over your mouth and nose if possible
Follow the green emergency-exit lights

Using an emergency phone

When you lift the handset, you are connected directly to the traffic control centre:

State the tunnel name and distance marker if you can
Describe what has happened: collision, fire or breakdown
Wait for instructions and do not hang up until told to

Emergency phones are also available through the Bilberging and 112 Norge mobile apps.

Evacuation with passengers

Take small children out of child seats immediately
Speak calmly - panic slows people down
Stay together as one group
Follow the marked escape routes

Common mistakes during tunnel incidents

Mistake	Consequence
Turning the car around in the tunnel	Blocks others and is usually illegal
Staying in the car during a fire	High risk of smoke poisoning
Using full beam	Blinds other drivers
Trying to extinguish a large fire	Delays evacuation
Taking personal belongings	Slows down your escape

After a tunnel incident

Gather at the assembly point outside the tunnel
Wait for instructions from police or rescue leaders
Get medical assessment after smoke exposure or heat stress
The insurance claim can be filed the next day

Training and awareness

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration recommends that drivers:

Visualise evacuation before entering long tunnels
Notice emergency exits and extinguishers
Avoid entering a tunnel with a known brake fault or another serious technical defect - see Brake faults

Tunnel incidents are rare, but when they happen, every second matters. Learn the equipment and evacuation routines so you can act correctly if necessary.