Culture Shock! Austria - A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette

94 CultureShock! Austria

head-on. These are people who drive on the wrong side of

the freeway. Austria, unfortunately, has one of the highest

frequencies of ghost driving in the European Union. It has

been a problem for years. Often, the outcome is the tragic

death of many innocent people.

There are many reasons for ghost driving, but the most

common factors are drunken driving and obscure traffic

signs at the entrances and exits of freeways. Authorities

have tried many different solutions. In addition to the

big signs posted at highway exits and entrances, some

states put up fluorescent yellow warning lights. On the

A9 freeway in southern Austria near Graz, authorities

have installed the country’s first highway alarm system

designed to alert wrong-way drivers before they can cause

a fatal accident. This digital system automatically emits

high-decibel sounds when a motorist ignores warning

signs and enters the wrong way. It is always a good idea

If You Get into an Accident

Accidents happen and it’s always best to be prepared for

one. Here are some basic tips:

„ Stop your car immediately, turn on your hazard lights

and set up your red warning triangle 50 metres ahead

of the accident area.

„ Administer first aid or call an ambulance if necessary

(tel: 144 for ambulance, or tel: 133 for police, and

112 for European Wide Emergency).

„ Always exchange names, addresses and telephone

numbers with the other party.

„ Take note of details, such as the make and model of the

car(s), licence plate number(s), driver’s licence number(s),

insurance company(ies) and policy number(s).

„ Don’t claim responsibility. Instead, call and talk to

someone from your insurance company.

„ Fill out the accident form (Europäischer Unfallbericht)

provided by your insurance company.