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Question

Difficulty: HardTunnel Emergencies

A major incident has blocked an underground road tunnel, resulting in a prolonged queue of stationary vehicles. Which combination of actions is recommended by the Highway Code to protect air quality and monitor official updates while waiting in line?

  1. A
    Keep the engine idling with maximum air conditioning, relying on dashboard warning lamps to indicate when toxic gas levels rise.
  2. Turn off the engine, keep your sidelights on, and tune the vehicle radio to the frequency shown on tunnel information signs.Answer
  3. C
    Walk behind the queue to deploy a portable red reflective hazard sign on the carriageway.
  4. D
    Keep the motor idling in neutral gear with the handbrake engaged so you can move forward immediately when traffic restarts.

Answer

Turn off the engine, keep your sidelights on, and tune the vehicle radio to the frequency shown on tunnel information signs.
According to the Highway Code, when caught in congested or stationary traffic inside an enclosed road tunnel, drivers must switch off their engines to stop exhaust fume build-up, leave position sidelights illuminated to remain visible, and tune the vehicle radio to the frequency shown on tunnel variable message signs to receive vital safety announcements from tunnel control.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the stationary tunnel environment and switch off the powertrain.
Exhaust fumes are immediately halted, preventing toxic gas accumulation in the enclosed tunnel space.
Enclosed tunnels have limited ventilation capacity, making vehicle exhaust emissions extremely dangerous during congestion.
2
Maintain vehicle visibility by keeping sidelights switched on.
The stationary vehicle remains clearly illuminated for following traffic and emergency services without draining excessive battery power.
Lighting conditions within tunnels can vary, and full headlights may cause glare or deplete vehicle electrical systems while the engine is off.
3
Tune the in-car entertainment system or radio to the official emergency/traffic broadcast frequency displayed on overhead variable message signs.
Direct communication from the tunnel control room and emergency services is received in real time.
Tunnel control operators utilize dedicated radio rebroadcast frequencies and public address systems to issue evacuation instructions or incident updates.

Key Concept

Highway Code rules for handling stationary congestion and air quality inside road tunnels
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Tunnel Emergencies

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