Why Such Strict Rules
The tunnel stretches nearly 17 kilometers through solid rock, with only one lane in each direction and no physical divider. Attempting to pass means entering oncoming traffic. Additionally, the artificial lighting underground can create optical illusions, making distances appear shorter and speeds harder to judge. In summer, temperatures can exceed 35°C, amplifying stress and mechanical risks. In such a confined space, even a single mistake can lead to catastrophe.
The Disaster That Changed Everything
A deadly collision in 2001 changed Swiss traffic law forever. Two trucks crashed head-on inside a tunnel, igniting an inferno that reached 1,200°C. Eleven people were killed, and the passage remained closed for months. Since then, Switzerland has maintained a zero-tolerance policy for overtaking in long mountain tunnels. In an enclosed tunnel with limited escape routes, a single collision can trigger a chain reaction with devastating consequences. Switzerland’s strict enforcement reflects the truth that one reckless move underground can end dozens of lives in and above it.