Ghost drivers: cautionary instructions and correct reactions
Written by Olivier Duquesne on 02/10/2021
Coming across a phantom driver (on the wrong side of the road) is stressful, especially since an accident with such a vehicle is often (very) serious. Here is the behavior to adopt to avoid disaster. What are the good reflexes?
Alcohol, above all, but also distraction and stress are the main causes of driving in the wrong direction on a motorway or expressway. This offense is an obvious source of accidents with the risk of serious collisions , fatal in 1 in 5 cases. Here is how to react whether you are faced with a wrong-way driver or as a ghost driver…
What to do ?
How to react in the presence of a ghost driver ? First of all, pull to the right and flash your headlights (without insisting too much to avoid adding another layer of panic, stress or anger). Then, you must immediately call the police via 112 or 101, trying to provide as much information as possible. It is also useful to report the wrong-way vehicle via real-time traffic apps and boxes (Waze, Coyote, etc.). As soon as the alert is given, the radios will signal the driver’s presence via RDS and TMC (messages on the air and alerts on the screens of the adapted cars). In this case, you must not exceed the area indicated by the radio guidance messages and apps or on-board systems.
Hazard lights
As for anyone who realizes that they are driving in the wrong direction, they must put on their hazard lights, turn on their low beams, slow down and try to reach a protected area. It is best to move to the emergency lane, crossing the lanes without endangering traffic in the normal direction. You must leave your vehicle and take shelter behind the barrier. Then, you have to call the police who will do what is necessary safely (and too bad for the sanction or reprimand). It is not recommended to attempt a U-turn maneuver.