What to Do If You Encounter a Wrong-Way Driver?

There are around 500 wrong-way drivers per year on Belgian roads. What should you do if you come across one, or if you become one yourself?

In France, more than 5% of fatal motorway accidents are caused by wrong-way drivers.
While the majority of wrong-way drivers don't cause an accident during their time on the motorway, a head-on collision is fatal in 50% of cases. So, how do you avoid causing an accident in such a situation?

What to do if you encounter a wrong-way driver

• If the radio broadcasts a wrong-way driver alert and it's reported in the area where you're driving, slow down and keep as far to the right as possible (even using the emergency lane if needed). Above all, never attempt to overtake. If you have the time and opportunity, stop at a rest area and wait safely until the alert is over.
• If you spot the wrong-way driver, don't flash your headlights too early. If you make them even more anxious than they already are, the driver may panic and attempt a dangerous manoeuvre that could be fatal for both of you. If anything, flash your headlights only when they're level with you.
• After passing them, stop on the emergency lane and report it to the police using your mobile phone. Try to pinpoint your location as precisely as possible. Some motorways (including in France) are still equipped with emergency telephone posts. They're more effective than mobile phones when it comes to locating you precisely.

What to do if you are the wrong-way driver

• Drive slowly, turn on your dipped headlights and hazard lights. And above all, keep to the right!
• If no one is approaching from the opposite direction over a long distance – and only then! – steer towards the emergency lane on your left and stop. Your car will then be stationary facing against the flow of traffic.
• Alert the police by calling them from an emergency telephone post. The police will help guide you back into the correct direction of travel.
• Never reverse, whether on the road or on the emergency lane.

Who are wrong-way drivers?

Driving against the flow of traffic can be classified into two categories:

• Unintentional: drivers who enter the motorway the wrong way due to distraction or because they mixed up the entrance and exit of the motorway, whether or not under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication or fatigue.
• Intentional: drivers with a deliberately suicidal attitude, and those looking to take on a challenge, engaging in what can be described as a criminal act.

Tips to avoid becoming a wrong-way driver

• Always pay attention to road signs when entering a motorway. A large yellow “STOP” sign with an open hand, as well as “no entry” signs, are there to warn distracted drivers.
• Be especially vigilant when the motorway access is on your left. The exit ramp is often located before the entrance ramp. A mistake can easily happen if you're distracted or if visibility is poor, such as at night, in heavy rain or fog.
• Have you been driving in a country where they drive on the left? Be especially careful during your first hours (or first days) of driving on our roads, so you can quickly readjust your driving reflexes.