TÜV SÜD warns about accident blackspots at motorway service stations
TÜV SÜD warns about accident blackspots at motorway service stations
Congested motorways, heavy truck traffic, streams of holidaymakers, overrun service stations - the number of trucks on Germany's roads is predicted to double by 2030. Motorway service stations and car parks are already experiencing periods of excessive overcrowding as a result of the overwhelming traffic density and the regulations governing breaks for truck drivers - and this overcrowding is increasing the risk that accidents will occur. Plans to expand service stations will aim to ease the situation in the future, but until they take effect, TÜV SÜD offers tips on how cars and trucks can get along at rest stops.
Tuesday 21 June brought yet another sad news item: "A serious traffic accident at an overcrowded motorway service stop near Wörth caused three trucks to catch fire; one driver burnt to death in his vehicle (…).“ Reports of serious accidents at motorway service stations, some caused by incorrectly parked lorries, are on the increase. The reason can be found in estimates by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority that Germany had over 350 million truck drivers in 2010, resulting in hopeless overcrowding at service stations and car parks. In addition, many truck drivers prefer to accept the relatively low fines for incorrect parking in overflowing car parks, rather than risk incurring heavy penalties for overstepping their driving time. As a result, rows of parked lorries often even occupy the deceleration lanes. Philip Puls from TÜV SÜD comments, "Parked trucks are often backed right up into the approach lanes of services stations, especially at night. When their lights are switched off, they spell a potential disaster for car drivers planning to take a break. Drivers should therefore always use the deceleration lanes to reduce their speed to under 50 kilometres per hour."
Avoid high speeds:Everyone knows the golden rule taught in driving schools: when leaving the motorway and approaching a service station, always keep an eye on the speedometer. The instrument is the only way to be sure that you comply with the necessary maximum speed of 50 kph; the driver's vision has become accustomed to speeds of over 130 kilometres per hour on the motorway, and is therefore an extremely unreliable gauge. When entering the service station, reduce speed to 30 or 40; at this high-risk point, drivers may encounter pedestrians and parking cars and trucks. 30 kilometres per hour is a reasonable speed for the approaches to and from main areas with restaurant and playground. Incidentally, there is no blanket speed limit for German service stations; the majority have signs indicating the speed requirements.
Avoid careless driving in the dark: Adjust your speed more carefully at night, when rows of parked trucks may extend as far as the service station approach lanes. Although new truck models are required to have contour markings from July 2011 with the aim of providing better visibility in the darkness, car drivers that turn into the service station at high speeds may not see these reflective strips in their headlamps until it is too late.
Avoid distraction:Hooray, a break at last - don't forget everything you need, fill up the petrol tank, try and calm down the kids one last time. The passengers are usually in a relieved and excited mood at the prospect of a break after a long drive. But drivers must not allow themselves to be distracted, especially at service stations and particularly during holiday periods. The service stations are often overcrowded, with pedestrians darting between approaching and departing cars, few - if any - zebra crossings or secure footpaths, and poor visibility as rows of closely parked trucks block the view. The situation demands special care and attention. The TÜV SÜD experts advise, "Particularly during holiday times, service stations require the same level of care from drivers as official go-slow areas. Drive at walking pace and watch out for pedestrians, especially children. The break doesn't start until the car has stopped.“
Avoid illegal parking: Extremely crowded service stations may not even have any parking spaces free for cars. Car drivers often take up free space reserved for coaches and lorries, while the most bare-faced may even park in disabled spaces. However, parking a car between trucks and coaches is dangerous because of the poor visibility. In addition, drivers of huge trucks do not always expect to find cars in the truck parking areas, further increasing the risk of accident. And car drivers that take over disabled spaces are probably beyond help.
Avoid unaccompanied children: Children should always be held by the hand at service stations. Never leave prams or child car seats in the traffic lanes - strollers and buggies are often overlooked in confusing traffic situations. Puls warns, "Never leave infant car seats next to, in front of or behind the car - not even for seconds. Parking cars, buses and coaches cannot see them there and may drive over them - as recurring tragic accidents constantly show.“
Last but very far from least: All these rules also apply to the rest of the journey. Remember above all that once you leave the service station there is no turning back. All approach and departure lanes are generally an integral part of the motorway, and turning or driving against the flow of traffic is prohibited. Anything that has been forgotten must wait until the next exit, when the driver has the opportunity to turn around.
Contact: Frank Volk