Regulations Governing Vehicle Safety
In order to enhance driving safety within Hsuehshan(Xueshan) Tunnel, we have posted the Important Notes Concerning Vehicle Safety within Hsuehshan(Xueshan) Tunnel. These instructions set out the guidelines for the control and management of vehicles, such as the types of vehicles, as ell as the regulations governing road users before they enter the tunnel and when driving in the tunnel and the emergency measures in case of any accident or disaster. They also serve as the foundation for all kinds of tasks in relation to safety management, promotions and law enforcement.
The difference between these instructions and other road regulations includes the list of the vehicles not allowed to enter, the increased of the safety distance between vehicles, and emergency responses. Due to the special road conditions in the tunnel, there are additional points that need to be flagged when it comes to vehicle safety and accident prevention. Accidents in the tunnel pose difficulties for rescue and also cause traffic congestion. Of course, they may also cost human lives and a considerable sum of money.
In addition to working with relevant divisions to enhance all kinds of disaster prevention measures and safety promotions, the National Highway Police Bureau, the National Police Agency, and The ministry of the Interior, will also set up automatic extensive law-enforcement facilities in the tunnel, in order to ensure that road users observe all traffic regulations.
Below is a description of the individual regulations.
1. Before entering the tunnel
2. Driving through the tunnel
3. Accidents and breakdowns
4. Procedures to be followed in case of fire
(1) Road users downstream of a fire
(2) Road users at scene of fire
(3) Road users upstream of a fire
(4) Emergency escape
1. Before entering the tunnel
(1) National Freeway No. 5's Shiding to Toucheng Interchange is scheduled for a two-stage opening in either direction. The first stage (initial stage) allows small vehicles to enter, with a 2.85 meter height limit. The traffic condition of the first stage will determine the schedule of the second stage when large coaches are allowed to enter. No large trucks will be allowed.
(2) Shiding to Toucheng Interchange prohibits the transportation of dangerous cargo in either direction, or vehicles that exceed length, width, height or weight limits.
(3) All cargo should be tightly bundled, fastened and tied up firmly when trucks are driving on Freeway.
(4) The temperature of the water tanks should be checked before the journey.
(5) Drivers should observe the instructions of the traffic lane control signals and CMS.
(6) Headlights should be switched on when vehicles are in the tunnel.
(7) Radios should be tuned to FM channel, in particular the Police Radio Station.
2. Driving in the tunnel
(1) It is not permitted to change lanes within the tunnel.
(2) Drivers should follow the instructions of traffic lane control signals, CMS, speed limit signs and fence instructions for both driving and stopping.
(3) Drivers should maintain a safe distance of at least 50 meters between vehicles within Hsuehshan(Xueshan) Tunnel under normal conditions. If the speed falls below 20 km/hr or zero due to traffic congestion, accidents or other special situations, drivers should still maintain a safe distance of over 20 meters.
(4) Drivers should be especially vigilant of the vehicle in front.
3. Accidents and breakdowns
(1) Drivers should try their best to park their vehicles at the emergency parking bays on the road side when there are traffic accidents or breakdowns. Meanwhile, they should switch on their danger warning lamps.
(2) If drivers cannot steer their vehicles away from the traffic lanes due to accidents or breakdowns, they should switch on their danger warning lamps and place signs 100 meters behind the vehicles.
(3) Drivers should inform the relevant authorities with the emergency telephones on the road side or their mobile phones as soon as possible.
(4) When waiting for road assistance, the passengers in the vehicles should retreat to the maintenance walkways outside the traffic lanes or any other safe locations (such as telephone booths and emergency parking bays), in order to avoid collusion with other vehicles or secondary accidents.
(5) Road users upstream of accidents should follow the instructions from CMS, radio within the tunnel and horns.
(6) If the traffic lane is occupied by a vehicle that breaks down, it is allowed to switch traffic lanes. If the whole lane is blocked due to an accident, drivers should follow the instruction of CMS, the in-tunnel radio, of the police and engineering staff on duty.
4. Procedures to be followed in case of fire
(1) Road users downstream of a fire
Drivers should move away as soon as possible if there is a fire on the vehicle behind. It is not allowed to stop or slow down to watch. In addition, drivers should inform the service authorities as soon as their own safety is assured.
(2) Road users at scene of fire
(a) If drivers spot a fire ahead when driving in the tunnel, they should immediately pull up to the side so that the lane is clear for rescue vehicles to enter.
(b) Drivers should immediately switch off their engines and order all people to get out of their vehicles.
(c) When exiting from vehicles, it is all right to take important items, but keys should be left in the vehicles and the vehicles should be left unlocked. This is to facilitate the rescue personnel in removing the vehicles.
(d) Drivers should inform the relevant authorities by using the emergency telephones by the road side or their mobile phones. Alternatively, they can press the fire alarm button on the fire hydrant cabinet.
(e) When the situation permits, drivers or other road users should use fire hydrants to assist in putting out the fire and others in escaping.
(f) It is advised to escape as quickly as possible.
(3) Road users upstream of a fire
(a) Drivers should pull up vehicles immediately at the road side when they see the information displayed on CMS or learn from the tunnel radio that there is a fire downstream, so that the road is clear for rescue vehicles to enter.
(b) Drivers should immediately switch off their engines and order all passengers to get out of the vehicle.
(c) When leaving from vehicles, it is OK to take important items, but the keys should be left in the vehicles and the vehicles should be left unlocked. This is to facilitate rescue personnel in removing the vehicles.
(d) It is advised to escape as quickly as possible.
(4) Emergency escape
(a) It is advised to run in the opposite direction from which the vehicles are driving in order to avoid the smoke. Alternatively, it is advised to follow the radio for escape instructions. If there are no instructions available, it is advised to follow the escape signs by estimating the distance to a connection tunnel for pedestrians or vehicles.
(b) It is advised that one should bend down when escaping in order to reduce the hazards from the smoke as it is distributed higher up.
(c) Drivers should contact Control Center with the emergency telephones on the road side or their mobile phones as soon as possible and follow their instructions.