The autobahn queue protocol

Is it true that in Germany, if the road ahead is blocked, all motorists respond by moving onto the hard shoulder and turning off their engines? DT

Yes!That’s not just good practice. It is the law! And it leaves the centre of the road completely clear for rescue vehicles – police, ambulances, fire engines, tow trucks - to go directly and quickly and safely to the cause of the blockage. 

This can save lives, and it ensures the blockage can be cleared as quickly as possible. Everybody gains. That solution is not rocket science. It is common sense.

Most motorists understand that and are ready to comply ...but only if everyone else does. When the blockage is cleared, all the parked cars should leave in the order in which they arrived.  

That principle applies to most other safety measures and actions, but on our roads, it is usually a missing link. If others can be seen getting away with wrong moves – and thereby gain a perceived advantage – others will follow. That consequence is not just obvious; it is inevitable.

Traffic in Kenya does not take its turn in a blocked queue and pull to the side and leave the road clear. It charges into any available space (on both sides and the hard shoulders) in an attempt to get through as quickly as possible, usually blocking itself, every other motorist, and the rescue teams who might solve the problem. We are not victims of an imposed situation.  We are creating it!

The parallel lesson to be learned is that busy major roads are not the place for traffic police to investigate and address minor technical offences.  

That can be done when and where cars are already parked.   Check the insurance, check the licence, check the tyres, check the lights.  

On major highways the priority should be policing of driver behaviour that can be “clearly seen” to pose an immediate risk or cause disruption to flow.

The whole essence of highways (and their primary safety feature) is swift, continuous and unobstructed movement. 

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