With the end of summer and the last days of vacation approaching, the big wave of return journeys is approaching for many travelers. Motorways and expressways are filling up and traffic jams are becoming an unavoidable companion on the way home.
Patience is a sought-after virtue at this time, but that's not all: the correct behavior in traffic jams is also crucial to ensure your own safety and that of your fellow travelers. The ÖAMTC, Austria's largest mobility club, has summarized important tips and rules that every driver should follow in the current traffic situation.
Emergency lane: obligation and lifesaver
One of the key rules in Austrian road traffic is the formation of the emergency lane. Even when traffic is at a standstill, a clear lane must be created for emergency vehicles. This applies to all multi-lane carriageways, such as motorways and dual carriageways, even if no emergency vehicle is in sight. "Anyone who does not comply risks high fines of up to 2.180 euros," warns ÖAMTC lawyer Martin Hoffer. In addition, legal costs and possible claims for damages may arise. The emergency lane saves lives by allowing emergency services and fire departments to access accident sites quickly. Every driver should therefore be aware that ignoring this rule can have serious consequences.
Keeping to the right: More than just a formality
The rule of driving on the right is a matter of course for many drivers, but it is often perceived as annoying, especially on multi-lane roads. The rule is clear: Basically, the right lane should always be used as long as it is reasonable. Anyone who drives on the left or middle lane when the right lane is free risks a fine.
However, there are exceptions, as Hoffer explains: "If there are a lot of vehicles traveling slowly in the right lane and you could only drive very short distances there, it is permitted to use the second lane for longer." It is important to regularly keep an eye on the rear-view mirror to make way for faster traffic in the overtaking lane.
Overtaking and the zipper system: rules for flowing traffic
Overtaking on the right is generally prohibited in Austria, with the exception of convoy traffic, where vehicles drive next to each other, albeit at different speeds. This can be the case in construction areas, for example. It is equally important to use the zipper method correctly when a lane is closed. The following applies here: Traffic should only merge from both lanes immediately before the bottleneck. This allows the flow of traffic to be maintained, albeit at a slower pace. Failure to observe this system often leads to unnecessary delays and an increased risk of accidents.
Avoid dangerous maneuvers: getting out, reversing and hard shoulders
Motorways and expressways are not only dangerous places because of the high speeds - they also pose considerable risks in traffic jams. Leaving your vehicle on such roads is generally prohibited. Although the authorities are often accommodating when it comes to longer standstills, you are not allowed to move far away from your vehicle and you must be particularly careful when crossing the emergency lane.
Even more dangerous and strictly prohibited is reversing or turning on the motorway. Such maneuvers may only be carried out on the express instructions of the police, for example to divert traffic from the motorway. Unauthorized actions are not only punishable with a fine of up to 726 euros, but can also cost you your driving license - especially if it involves so-called "wrong-way driving," where you drive against the direction of traffic.
The hard shoulder may also only be used in an emergency, such as in the event of an actual breakdown. Anyone who tries to escape a traffic jam by using the hard shoulder also risks a high fine of up to 726 euros. Only in rare cases is the hard shoulder opened up by lane signals, and even then the rule of driving on the right applies.
For many, the summer travel season is a time of relaxation and recuperation, but the journey home can often be a test of patience. With the right behavior and knowledge of the applicable traffic rules, many risks can be minimized. The ÖAMTC recommends finding out about possible traffic jams and alternative routes before setting off on your journey, and planning enough breaks to maintain concentration and composure at the wheel. Ultimately, safety comes first, and a cool head helps you to get through even longer traffic jams and reach your destination safely.
and 