Public Enterprise “Roads of Serbia” has officially launched two new educational campaigns aimed at improving traffic safety on national roads. The campaigns, titled “Safely through the tunnel” and “We are not alone in the tunnel,” focus on educating drivers and all road users about safe behaviour in tunnels during both regular traffic conditions and emergency situations.

The campaign slogans accurately, graphically and clearly represent essential information for all traffic participants that PE “Roads of Serbia” implements as a socially responsible company, which manages the state road network in the Republic of Serbia.

The “Safely through the Tunnel” campaign aims to educate drivers on safe behaviour in tunnels under normal traffic conditions. The following actions should be taken before entering and while driving in a tunnel:

Before Entering and While Driving in the Tunnel:

• Obey the speed limit.
• Maintain a safe distance.
• Use low beams.
• Remove sunglasses.
• Close windows and turn on air circulation in the vehicle.
• Check fuel levels and engine temperature.
• Extinguish any cigarettes.
• Do not stop in the tunnel, except in emergencies and only in designated stopping areas.
• U-turns are prohibited.
• Reversing is not allowed.
• Turn off the engine if the vehicle is stopped for more than one minute.

The “We are not Alone in the Tunnel” campaign is designed to educate drivers on safe behaviour in tunnels during emergency situations that may endanger the lives of road users.

In the event of vehicle breakdown

• Turn on hazard lights.
• Safely stop the vehicle in a designated stopping area, or as close to the right edge of the road as possible.
• Turn off the engine and leave the key in the ignition.
• Put on a reflective vest and exit the vehicle on the right side.
• Place a warning triangle behind the stopped vehicle in the prescribed manner.
• Call for help from the SOS niche.
• Wait for the arrival of the emergency services.

In the event of fire

• If a fire starts in your vehicle and you can, drive it out of the tunnel to a safe location. If not, stop the vehicle in a way that does not endanger the safety of other road users.
• Turn on hazard lights.
• Turn off the engine and leave the key in the ignition.
• Put on a reflective vest and exit the vehicle.
• Help others in your vehicle to leave the scene of the fire as quickly as possible.
• Extinguish the fire in its early stages using a fire extinguisher from the vehicle or the apparatus located in the SOS niche, while ensuring your own safety.
• Activate the nearest manual fire alarm.
• If you cannot extinguish the fire, move to a safe distance and follow the instructions broadcast over the tunnel’s loudspeaker.
• Start evacuating the tunnel by following the evacuation route signs to the nearest exit.
• Be mindful of passing emergency vehicles.
• Follow the instructions of the fire and rescue units during firefighting operations.

These campaigns are carried out by Public Enterprise “Roads of Serbia,” with the support of the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, and the Ministry of Interior. PE “Roads of Serbia” has prepared educational videos, posters, social media announcements, and informational flyers in both Serbian and English. Guided by the belief that road accidents can be prevented, PE “Roads of Serbia” will continue to work systematically to raise awareness among all road users.