Highway Confusion: Police Actions Spark Road Safety Debate
A recent traffic stop on a Hungarian highway has ignited controversy, challenging the interpretation of road rules and the actions of law enforcement. Questions have arisen regarding the legality of police interventions and the clarity of road signage, raising concerns about driver safety and potential misunderstandings.
Zipper Merge Mishap
The core issue centers on a section of Highway 8 where lanes merge, known as the “zipper” method. The rules are designed to clarify traffic flow at merging points. However, conflicting road signs and police actions have caused confusion among drivers, especially at the end of merging lanes.
In early June, the Veszprém County Police Headquarters conducted a road inspection. They employed a drone to monitor traffic. During the inspection, several drivers received penalties for reportedly using the closing lanes to overtake other vehicles. Footage of the event was shared on Facebook and has gained a lot of views.
Expert Weighs In
Attila Pető, a highway expert, reviewed the drone footage and found police actions and road signs inconsistent. He stated it is not right to prohibit a driver from taking the slow lanes and merging.
“The Highway Code indicates that passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction is not an overtake, but in parallel traffic, changing lanes isn’t considered overtaking either.”
—Attila Pető, Highway Professor
Pető also pointed out the road operator may have positioned the sign in the wrong place, reducing the space for safe lane changes. This could lead to motorists taking dangerous actions to avoid fines. Some believe it may be more secure to permit merging into the middle lane.
According to the National Highway Code, in 2023, there were 15,884 accidents related to improper lane changes, highlighting the significance of clearly defined rules and road signs (Hungarian Central Statistical Office 2023).
Conflicting Signals
The Hungarian Road company explained that the “no overtaking” sign was installed to increase road safety. They added both overtaking and lane changes on the specified stretch of the road could create hazardous situations. However, they do not have plans to change the signage.
A transport expert, who preferred to remain anonymous, suggested the road manager might not have fully considered the Government Decree on traffic control and the placement of road signals. It mandates that signs be easily visible and understandable at any time. Signs that cause confusion should not be used.
One commenter, in English, asked, “OK, when I am in the left lane, faster, and the no overtake sign comes, do i have to stop overtaking and Wait till there is a space in a right lane?”
Police Response
Traffic police cases have stated that it is objectionable to stop drivers in locations where only one lane is available. The police can interfere with traffic, but they must not cause accidents or endanger drivers. Authorities from the Veszprém County Police Headquarters were asked for a statement but did not answer.
Police stated that drivers in the video had made overtaking maneuvers that posed threats to other vehicles. They said this is against good driving practices. According to them, accidents can happen because of irregular lane changes.