Entrance to the tunnel always causes drivers mixed feelings: on the one hand, it is a relief from the opportunity to shorten the path or pass a difficult section of the track, on the other - stress from a sharp change in the light regime. Traffic rules clearly regulate the actions of the motorist in such situations, and ignoring these norms can lead not only to a fine, but also to the creation of an emergency situation. The main issue that worries most of the participants of the movement is the choice of the correct mode of operation of lighting devices.
Many people mistakenly believe that in well-lit tunnels of megacities you can do without the inclusion of headlights, relying only on artificial lighting of walls. However, the statistics of road accidents show that it is in the transition zones, where the human eye is rearranged from bright daylight to half-darkness, that the greatest number of collisions occurs. Traffic safety This depends on how well your car is visible to other participants and your ability to distinguish between obstacles.
In this article we will discuss in detail the requirements of the legislation, the technical nuances of the operation of optics in a confined space and the consequences of violations. Understanding the physics of light and the psychology of perception in a tunnel will help you become a more predictable driver. Surely. PDD It is written not just for nothing, but based on the analysis of thousands of road accidents.
Legislative requirements for lighting in the tunnel
According to the current Traffic rules19.1 expressly indicates the driver's obligation to enter a tunnel. The law states that the dipped headlights must be turned on in the tunnel regardless of the presence of artificial lighting. This requirement is unconditional and does not provide for exceptions even for the most modern and brightly lit highways.
Why is the legislator so categorical? The tunnel is a high-risk area. Here the possibility of maneuvering is limited, the acoustics are changed and, most importantly, the level of illumination changes dramatically. Middle light It is not so much necessary to see the road (although this is important) as to be seen by other drivers, especially when rearranging or in case of a sudden stop.
⚠️ Warning: The use of daytime running lights (DWLs) only when entering a tunnel is a violation. DRLs do not provide backlighting of the rear position lights, making your car invisible to drivers moving behind in poor visibility conditions.
It is also worth noting that the rules do not make any distinction between the time of day. At night, afternoon or dusk, the algorithm of actions is the same: approaching the sign "Tunnel" (sign 1.31), you must activate the lights. Ignoring this rule is equivalent to moving with the lights off in the dark.
Near or far: which to choose?
One of the most common questions is the possibility of using driving-beam. Many drivers, especially on poor-surfaced roads, instinctively switch to high-beams to better consider road defects. In a tunnel, however, this can be a fatal mistake. The far-beam gives a narrow but very powerful beam, which in the confined space of the tunnel creates a lot of glare and reflections from the walls.
In addition, the oncoming flow in the tunnel is often separated only by markings or a low curb. Light far-light blinds oncoming drivers much more than in open areas, due to the effect of repeated reflection from walls and ceilings. This can lead to temporary loss of vision in the oncoming driver and a head-on collision.
- 💡 Near-light light illuminates the road for 30-40 meters, which is enough for speed mode inside the tunnel.
- 🚫 Far-light blinds oncoming drivers and creates dangerous glare on the walls.
- 👁️ Switching to a low light helps the eyes adapt to the light level inside faster.
There is an exception that not everyone knows about. If the tunnel does not have its own lighting, the movement in it is organized in one lane to each side without a physical dividing strip, and you move at night, then formally you will be able to move in the tunnel. PDD allow the use of high beams in the absence of oncoming cars. However, in practice, there are almost no such tunnels on the main highways, and the risk of blinding someone in the “dead zone” is too great.
Automatic light mode ("Auto") may not work on time when entering a tunnel, as the light sensor reacts with a delay. It is better to switch the light manually in advance, even before the sign "Tunnel".
Technical aspects and adaptation of vision
The human eye is a complex mechanism that takes time to restructure. This process is called adaptation. When entering from the bright sun into a relatively dark tunnel, the pupil must expand to catch more light. During this time period, which lasts from a few seconds to a minute, the driver will actually go blind. The dipped light on helps illuminate nearby objects and markups, compensating for temporary "blindness."
From a technical point of view, modern xenon and LED lights They have a higher color temperature than older halogen lamps. In a tunnel with its specific yellowish or white artificial lighting, the cold light of the headlights can create an undesirable contrast. That is why it is important that the headlights are properly adjusted: the light beam should not be pulled upwards, illuminating the ceiling of the tunnel.
Dirty headlights in a tunnel lose up to 50% of their efficiency. Dust and dirt scatter light, creating a “wall of light” in front of the driver instead of lighting the path. Before long stretches, involving travel through mountain ranges, it is recommended to wipe the optics.
| Type of lighting | Efficiency in the tunnel | The risk of blindness | Recommendation of the SDA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middle light | Tall. | Low. | I'll be sure. |
| Far light | Medium (due to glare) | critical | Forbidden. |
| DHO (Daylights) | Low (no lights at the back) | Absent. | Not enough. |
| Fogheads | Low (narrow bundle) | Medium. | Additionally. |
Why are the lights flashing in the tunnels?
Many modern tunnels have special pulsating lighting. This is done to keep the driver’s attention at a high level and prevent monotony that causes drowsiness. Also, blinking helps the eye not to "fall asleep" with prolonged stay in a constant light flux.
Actions in case of illumination failure
The situation of the headlights burning immediately before or inside the tunnel is critical. If you notice a malfunction light-devices When you are inside, do not stop in the middle of the road. This can lead to a chain reaction of accidents.
It is necessary to safely rebuild to the right side, turn on the alarm and, if possible, put an emergency stop sign (although in the tunnel to do this is extremely dangerous due to the narrowness of space). The best solution is to drive to the exit of the tunnel or to a special emergency niche, which are equipped with emergency telephones.
- 🛑 If the headlights fail inside the tunnel, turn on the "emergency" and try to move to the side of the road.
- 📞 Use emergency telephones located every 100-200 meters.
- 🚗 If the car is immobilized, leave it through doors that do not open on the carriageway and go to the emergency exit.
⚠️ Note: Driving with a single idle headlight in the tunnel is also prohibited and dangerous. Other drivers may misjudge the dimensions of your car, mistaking it for a motorcycle.
Features of speed mode and distance
The entrance to the tunnel is often accompanied by a change in speed. Speed limit signs are not installed before entry by chance. In a confined space, the stopping distance may subjectively appear smaller, but the physics remains the same. And yet, appearance It's bounded by the walls of the tunnel, and you can't see what's going on in front of you further than your headlights illuminate.
The distance to the vehicle in front of you should be increased. In a tunnel, it is more difficult to assess the real speed of movement due to the lack of side landmarks (trees, buildings) flashing outside the window. This effect is called sensory deprivation, and it can cause you to not notice how much you have slowed down or, conversely, gained speed.
☑️ Check before entering the tunnel
Overtaking in tunnels is generally prohibited unless special markings permitting it. In most cases, continuous marking lines pass through the tunnel, which cannot be crossed. Violation of this rule in conditions of limited lane width and absence of a roadside is deadly.
Psychology of Driving in a Confined Space
The tunnel is a stressful factor for many drivers. Claustrophobia, fear of fire or accident are exacerbated in a confined space. Psychologists recommend that in such situations, focus on the motor-control Keeping distance, throwing away unnecessary emotions.
It is also important to remember the prohibition of the use of sound signals. In a tunnel, the sound is amplified many times, and your signal can scare the other driver, provoking him to a sharp, rash maneuver. Use the "claxon" only in the most extreme case, when an accident is inevitable.
Leaving the tunnel is also a dangerous moment. The eyes must adapt to bright light again. If there is bright sun on the road, it is recommended to wear sunglasses or lower the visor in advance, even in the tunnel, so that a sharp transition does not cause temporary blindness.
The main principle of safety in a tunnel is predictability. The lights on, keeping the distance and avoiding sharp maneuvers make you visible and understandable to other participants in the movement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the tunnel include fog lamps instead of passing beams?
No, fog lamps (FLDs) are not a complete substitute for passing beams. They have a narrow and low beam of light that does not illuminate the road ahead for a sufficient distance and does not indicate the dimensions of the car in the same way as the main headlights do. PTF can only be used in conjunction with the passing light in low visibility conditions.
Is there a penalty for driving in a tunnel with the lights off?
For violation of the rules for the use of external lighting devices (p. 19.1 SDA) provides for liability under part 1 of article 12.20 of the administrative code of the Russian Federation. This is a warning or a fine of 500 rubles. However, if this leads to an accident, the consequences will be much more serious.
Should the lights be turned off if the tunnel is well lit?
No, the length of the tunnel and the quality of its lighting are irrelevant to the application of the rule. Traffic rules require lights to be turned on when entering any tunnel. Short tunnels are often more insidious than long tunnels, as the driver may not have time to react to changing conditions.
What if a car in front of you catches fire in the tunnel?
Stop immediately before reaching the scene of the accident if it is possible safely. Turn off the engine, turn on the alarm. If a fire-damaged car blocks the way and you can’t turn around (which is often forbidden in tunnels), follow the directions of the emergency exit signs or the instructions of the control room via the hands-free system.