Wrong-way drivingSlovenia

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25. Wrong-way driving

Wrong-way driving occurs when a driver travels against the legally permitted direction of traffic. It may happen on a one-way road, divided road, motorway entrance or exit, or another road section reserved for traffic travelling in one direction.

Wrong-way driving creates an extreme risk of a head-on collision. Drivers must follow direction signs, no-entry signs, lane arrows and road markings. Anyone who accidentally enters a road in the wrong direction should slow down, warn other traffic, stop in the safest available place and contact the emergency services.

Wrong-way driving
No-entry sign near Miklošič Park. (Ljubljana, Slovenia)
Wikimedia.org • Sébastien Bertrand • CC BY
What is wrong-way driving?

Wrong-way driving means travelling against the legally permitted direction of traffic.

Where can wrong-way driving occur?

It can occur on one-way streets, divided roads, motorways, slip roads, tunnels, car parks and temporary traffic arrangements.

Why is wrong-way driving especially dangerous?

Other drivers do not expect approaching traffic in their lane, and the combined speeds can make a head-on collision extremely severe.

How can you recognise a prohibited direction?

Look for no-entry signs, one-way signs, mandatory-direction signs, lane arrows and road markings. Motorway exits may also have repeated signs or warning systems facing the wrong direction.

Is wrong-way driving the same as entering a no-entry road?

Entering past a no-entry sign can cause wrong-way driving, but the term also covers turning around on a divided road or using the wrong carriageway without passing such a sign.

Is driving against a one-way street always prohibited?

Normally, yes. However, signs may expressly permit certain road users, such as cyclists or public transport, to travel in the opposite direction.

Is authorised contraflow traffic wrong-way driving?

No. A cyclist, bus or other road user travelling in an expressly authorised contraflow lane or direction is using the road legally.

Can roadworks temporarily change the normal direction?

Yes. Temporary signs, barriers, lane signals and markings may redirect traffic onto another lane or carriageway. Follow the temporary arrangement rather than the usual road layout.

What should you do when you see a wrong-way driver?

Reduce speed immediately, keep as far as safely possible towards the outer edge of your carriageway and avoid sudden lane changes. Warn the police or emergency services as soon as this can be done safely.

Should you attempt to stop the wrong-way driver?

No. Do not block, chase or turn after the vehicle. Protect yourself and allow trained emergency services to intervene.

Should you flash your headlights?

A brief warning may help the driver recognise the error, but avoid prolonged or aggressive signalling that could cause panic or an unpredictable manoeuvre.

Should you sound the horn?

Use the horn only when reasonably necessary to warn of immediate danger. Your first priority is to reduce speed and create as much safe space as possible.

Should you stop in a live traffic lane?

Normally not. Sudden stopping may cause a rear-end collision. Slow down and move towards a safe shoulder, refuge or other protected location where possible.

What should you do after receiving a wrong-way-driver warning?

Reduce speed, stop overtaking, increase your following distance and remain in the lane or position recommended by the local authorities or warning system.

Should you continue using the overtaking lane?

Avoid unnecessary use of lanes nearest opposing or central traffic when a wrong-way driver has been reported. Follow local emergency guidance and electronic signs.

What should you do if you are driving in the wrong direction?

Slow down immediately, activate the hazard warning lights and use dipped headlights where required. Move to the safest available edge or shoulder and stop.

Should you accelerate to reach the next exit?

No. Increasing speed greatly increases the collision risk. Stop safely and wait for instructions from the police.

Should you make a U-turn across traffic?

No. Do not turn across live lanes, cross a central reservation or attempt to correct the mistake through another dangerous manoeuvre.

Should you reverse back to the entrance?

No. Reversing against traffic or along a motorway slip road creates additional danger. Stop safely and contact the emergency services.

Should you leave the vehicle after stopping?

This depends on the location and immediate danger. Remain protected from moving traffic and follow instructions from the emergency services. Do not stand in a live lane.

How should you contact the emergency services?

Stop safely before using a handheld phone. A passenger may call while the vehicle is moving when local law permits and this can be done without distracting the driver.

What information should you report?

Report the road name or number, direction, nearby exit or landmark, vehicle description and the wrong-way driver’s approximate location and direction.

What commonly causes wrong-way driving?

Possible causes include confusion at junctions, poor visibility, unfamiliar roads, impairment, navigation errors, turning around illegally or deliberately ignoring traffic signs.

How can drivers prevent entering the wrong direction?

Slow down at unfamiliar junctions, read signs before turning, verify the road layout and do not rely exclusively on navigation instructions.

Does a navigation system override traffic signs?

No. Traffic signs, signals, markings and instructions from authorised persons always take precedence over navigation guidance.

1 Slovenia 2 Motorway 3 Zone 4 Speed limit 5 Bike path 6 Tunnel 7 Pedestrian zone 8 Speed bump 9 Customs 10 One-way traffic 11 Slope 12 Bus lane 13 Dead end 14 Stop sign 15 Roundabout 16 Priority road 17 Road narrowing 18 Pedestrian crossing 19 Railway crossing 20 Mandatory direction 21 School area 22 Crossing animals 23 Rockfall 24 Chevron 25 Wrong-way driving 26 Roadworks 27 Height limit 28 Weight limit 29 Traffic lights 30 Pedestrian lights 31 Traffic mirror 32 International border 33 Cycling route 34 Parking 35 No stopping 36 Parking disc 37 Reversing 38 Emergency exit 39 City limit 40 Licence plate 41 Charging station 42 Dangers 43 Dip 44 Pedestrian 45 Cyclist 46 Truck 47 Bus 48 Police 49 Ambulance 50 Taxi 51 European emission standard 52 Pothole 53 Path 54 Particulates 55 Air pollution 56 Rush hour 57 Road code 58 Street gutter 59 Cargo bike 60 Forestry vehicle 61 Construction vehicle 62 Semi-trailer truck 63 Trolleybus 64 Speed pedelec 65 Delivery vehicle 66 Idling 67 Tow truck 68 Four-wheel drive 69 No vehicles 70 Bicycle 71 Motorcycle equipment 72 Rail track 73 Caravan 74 Trailer 75 Tow hitch 76 Fire truck 77 Siren 78 Convoy 79 Emergency vehicle lighting 80 Agricultural machinery 81 Electric bicycle 82 Electric vehicle 83 Pedelec 84 Quadricycle 85 Microcar 86 All-terrain vehicle 87 Van 88 Recreational vehicle 89 Scooter 90 Trikke 91 Personal mobility device 92 Skateboard 93 Segway 94 Kick scooter 95 Roller skates 96 Mailman 97 Hitchhiker 98 Toddler 99 Child 100 Disability ...