AUTOMOTIVE

New Tech Could Help Prevent the Nightmare of Wrong-Way Drivers on the Motorway

• Ford Wrong Way Alert for the all-new Focus warns drivers before they drive on to the wrong carriageway of a motorway or dual carriageway
• In Germany alone, 22 people were killed in accidents caused by wrong-way drivers on motorways and federal highways in 2017
• Wrong-Way drivers are known as “Geisterfahrer” in Germany, “spookrijder” in the Netherlands and “conducteur fantome” in France, all translating as ghost driver

If there’s a wrong-way driver ahead…
The Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC) gives the following advice if there is a wrong-way driver on your route. **
1. If you see a wrong-way driver, or hear a warning on the radio, turn on your lights and hazard lights
2. Move to the right-hand lane, or out of the path of the oncoming vehicle with care, keeping aware of other cars and brake lights ahead. Use the emergency lane if necessary
3. If you have not already seen the wrong-way driver, take the next possible exit
4. Ask a passenger to call the police, or call once you can stop safely
5. Listen carefully to traffic information on the radio to find out when the danger is over

If you are a wrong-way driver…
ADAC advises: **
1. As soon as you notice that you are driving on the wrong side, switch on your headlights and hazard warning lights
2. If there are no cars on the road, drive immediately to the emergency lane. If you are in the left-hand lane, and it would be dangerous to cross lanes, pull over as much as possible to the side of the road
3. Park close to the barrier
4. Get out with care and stand behind the guardrail
5. Call the police emergency number and wait for help
6. DO NOT try to turn.