‘Seven in ten Walloons do not know how to apply a safety corridor’

The Walloon Road Safety Agency (AWSR) reports that about 72% of Walloon motorists do not know how to correctly apply the ‘safety corridor’ rule or the emergency lane, even though it has been in the Belgian highway code for four years. The organization is launching an information campaign to remind road users of this principle.

Since October 1st, 2020, in Belgium, on a public road with at least two lanes (in the same direction), motorists must create a lane between the left and right lanes as soon as a delay or traffic jam occurs and an emergency vehicle arrives so that it can easily pass. In the case of a three-lane road, the corridor is provided between the left and center lanes.

Importantly, this rule must also be applied when a traffic jam occurs, even if emergency services are not approaching with flashing lights or sirens. However, drivers cannot drive on bus, bicycle, or break down lanes to make the rescue lane. The only exception is if the cleared passage in the middle is not wide enough for an intervention of a safety vehicle to pass, you are allowed to swerve on these lanes.

Saves emergency services an average of four minutes

However, according to a survey of some 1,000 Walloon drivers, 72% do not know precisely when or how to apply the rule. Almost a third also do not know which type of road it is mandatory for.

The AWSR points out that the emergency corridor – the rule also applies in several European countries – saves emergency services an average of four minutes, which can significantly increase the chances of survival of injured people.

Indeed, it is estimated that it increases the chances of survival of road accident victims by 40%. “The system can only work if all drivers adopt it,” the Walloon agency stresses. “A single driver in the wrong position can block emergency services.”

Therefore, AWSR is launching an information campaign on the operation and usefulness of the emergency lane via its social networks and website at the beginning of this month. In November, the AWSR is also planning posters along freeways and secondary roads to raise awareness among Walloon motorists.

The rule seems well-established in Flanders. Figures from the Agency for Roads and Traffic (AWV) showed that in December 2023, two out of three drivers were familiar with the rescue lane principle. However, one in five drivers still incorrectly defined the term.