Home SECTION II ABOUT THE MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES CHAPTER IX LEVEL CROSSINGS, MOVEABLE BRIDGES AND TUNNELS SECTION 2 BLOCKING OF LEVEL CROSSINGS, MOVEABLE BRIDGES AND TUNNELS Article 97 Stopping a vehicle on a level crossing, moveable bridge or tunnel

Article 97 Stopping a vehicle on a level crossing, moveable bridge or tunnel

by Mark Nolan

1.When, for reasons of out of control of the driver, there is a vehicle that has been stopped in a level crossing or its load has fallen within it, the driver will be obliged to adopt the appropriate measures for the rapid eviction of the occupants of the vehicle and leave the way free in the shortest possible time. If they do not manage to do this, all measures must be taken by the drivers of surrounding cars to warn of the danger in advance (article 41 of the articled text).

 

2. The rules in the previous section will be applicable, if the same circumstances occur when the stopping of the vehicle or the shedding of its load takes place on a moveable bridge.

 

3. If, in an emergency, a driver is immobilised with their vehicle inside a tunnel or underpass, they must:

 

A) Turn off the engine, press the emergency button and keep the parking lights on.

 

B) If possible, direct the vehicle towards the area reserved for emergencies closest to the direction of its movement. If not, they should stop the vehicle as close as possible to the right edge of the road.

 

C) Place hazard warning devices correctly on the road.

 

D) Request help without delay through the nearest distress post (SOS post), if there is one, and follow the instructions sent through it.

 

E) Both the driver and the other occupants will leave the vehicle, quickly going to the nearest refuge or exit, without, in any case, crossing the road if there are areas excluded from the movement of vehicles.

 

F) If there is a fault that still allows the vehicle to move, the driver must continue to the exit of the tunnel or underpass and, if this is not possible, to an area reserved for emergencies.

 

In case of a fire, the driver will move their vehicle as far as possible to the right so as not to obstruct the passage to emergency vehicles. The engine must be turned off, the key left in and the doors open. Both the driver and the other occupants will leave the vehicle heading quickly to the nearest refuge or exit, in the opposite direction of the fire, without, in any case, crossing the road if there are areas excluded from the movement of vehicles.

 

If a vehicle is immobilised inside a tunnel or underpass due to traffic needs, the driver and passengers must not leave the vehicle. In this case, the emergency signal must be connected temporarily to warn other drivers who are driving behind, parking lights kept on and the engine turned off. The driver should stop as far as possible from the vehicle in front of them.

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