Travel Tips

Driving

• Respect the speed limits and adjust the speed to the current conditions (e.g. weather conditions).
• Keep sufficient distance from the preceding road users.
• Pay attention to the messages on the Variable Message Signs and do not neglect road signage.
• Always drive carefully and avoid distractions (e.g. using a mobile phone).
• Always wear a safety seatbelt either in the front or back seats and keep children always in a child safety seat.
• Schedule breaks to rest.

Driving at night

• Make sure the windscreen is clear, wipers and lights are working properly to get the best possible visibility at night.
• Use full beam headlights only if they do not disturb other drivers, otherwise use headlights.
• Even if you are driving alone on the motorway, observe the speed limit so that you can react in time to any sudden incident.
• If you feel tired (difficulty to concentrate, constant yawning, eyes closing, reduced reflexes, etc.), stop at the next parking area and take a break. Try to get a nap for 15-20 minutes.

Driving in snowy conditions

Before starting your trip

• Consult the weather forecasts, be informed about the conditions on the road network and avoid the peak of the weather phenomena. Travel only if it is absolutely necessary.
• Do not leave without your snow chains and unless you are absolutely sure that you know how to fit them to the tires. A pair of thin waterproof glove is required for fitting the chains.
• Take warm clothes, a blanket, water and food with you.
• Opt to travel during daylight hours.
• Check that your tires are in good condition and that their pressure is suitable for the weather conditions.
• Check the operation of your brakes and shock absorbers to avoid slipping on snowy or icy roads. Also remember to check your brake fluid level.
• Test your battery.
• Be sure that the vehicle’s radiator and the air conditioning are working properly and that you are equipped with a warning road safety triangle and a reflective jacket.
• Full your fuel tank up and top up your screenwash. Be sure that your wipers are working properly.

Driving in snow

• Accelerate gently and avoid abrupt changes of your speed.
• Keep calm, do not rush and drive slowly handling the steering-wheel smoothly.
• Decelerate gently and change to the lower gears gradually and avoid braking unless necessary.
• Make the task of the snowplows easier, by keeping safe distances. Do not overtake and do not block the road to snowplows.
• Always follow the instructions of the Traffic Police and the personnel competent for the operation of the Motorway.

How to fit snow chains

If the Traffic Police orders the compulsory use of snow chains, stop at the next parking area or Motorists Service Station (MSS) of the Motorway in order to fit the snow chains. Remember that snow chains:

• Shall always be fitted on the steering wheels, while in four-wheel drive vehicles are fitted on the front wheels.
• They are properly fitted when they appear to be and are properly tightened.
• When snow chains are fitted do not travel at speeds in excess of 40km/h.

 Video: https://youtu.be/g_ZaE8W6iOs

Driving safely in tunnels

Olympia Odos has 29 tunnels of a total length of 26 km. approximately. Driving in a tunnel requires even more attention than driving on the open road. When driving in tunnels, follow these tips:

• Adjust your speed.
• Turn on the headlights and take off your sunglasses.
• Avoid unnecessary overtaking and keep sufficient distance.
• Pay attention to the signage and the variable message signs.
• Locate emergency cabinets, SOS lay-bys areas and emergency exits.
• In case of congestion, turn on the hazard warning lights. 
• In the event of a breakdown, try to move your car to the nearest Emergency Lane or to the right-hand side of the road.
• Call for help from the Emergency Roadside Telephone.

Find more information on safe driving in tunnels and what to do in an emergency in the following brochure:

Read the leaflet on tunnels

 Watch the video on safe driving in tunnels: https://youtu.be/6CLrpTGbm38

Emergency Lane (EL) 

• The Emergency Lane is NOT a traffic lane.
• The EL ensures valuable time for ambulances, fire engines, patrol cars and highway vehicles.
• Stop on the EL only in case of emergency, or if the car is broken down or if ordered by the Traffic Police. Do not stop to get coffee, sleep, or take care of a pet, etc.
• If you need to stop on the EL, turn on the hazard warning lights, while all passengers shall exit on the right side and go, if possible, behind the safety barrier.
• Call 1025 for Road Assistance.
• The EL is monitored electronically by Traffic police.

See the leaflet «Life Lane»

1025 Emergency Telephone Number

If you are in an emergency and need help, call 1025

SOS Emergency Roadside Telephones on the motorway

In the event of a vehicle breakdown or any other emergency situation, you can contact the operators of the Traffic Management Centers via the SOS Telephones.

The emergency roadside telephones are orange in color and can be found along the entire length of Olympia Odos. 

There are more than 650 SOS telephones:

• Approximately every 1.5 km on the open road;
• Every 150 meters in tunnels. 

• In all parking areas of the motorway.

To use them, just press the emergency call button!

Although we all now have a mobile phone, in emergency situations the SOS telephones are still valuable so that we can provide targeted assistance immediately:

• By calling from the SOS telephones, the operator at the Traffic Management Center immediately receives the location coordinates of the telephone, so he/she knows exactly where you are.
• You can call for immediate help even if you have no units, no signal, your phone is out of order or you can't find it.
• In the event of an emergency inside a tunnel, it is preferable to inform the Traffic Management Center from the SOS telephones, as this makes it easier to locate the incident accurately and provide assistance quickly.
• This is the only way to contact the operators in case you have an international mobile phone number.