(VIDEO) This is how nervous tourists behave in traffic jams: Polish man overtakes on taxiway, Bulgarian goes even further

On August 4, 2026, footage captured on social media revealed a dangerous moment on Croatian motorways during peak summer traffic. The video shows two drivers attempting to bypass congestion with reckless maneuvers, one of which led to a potentially fatal situation. A Polish driver attempted to overtake another vehicle on the emergency lane, while a Bulgarian driver made an even more alarming move by making a U-turn and driving against the flow of traffic on the motorway. The incident highlights the growing risks associated with aggressive behavior among tourists during heavy traffic conditions. The footage, shared on Facebook under the page “Prometne zgode i nezgode,” depicts a chaotic scene on the motorways near the coast, where vehicles were stuck in long queues due to the summer rush. Some drivers, frustrated with the delays, resorted to unregulated actions to avoid being caught in the bottleneck. One of these drivers, identified by his Polish license plate, was seen overtaking another vehicle on the emergency lane, a maneuver typically reserved for emergency services and not allowed for regular traffic. This action alone was already a violation of road safety rules, but the situation escalated further when a Bulgarian driver, also recorded on the footage, executed a U-turn on the motorway and drove in the opposite direction. The video quickly went viral online, sparking a wave of public reaction. Many users expressed concern over the drivers' disregard for safety protocols, with some calling for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and harsher penalties for such violations. Others questioned why no one had intervened to stop the drivers, suggesting that they should have been immediately halted using hazard lights, signaled with all four directional indicators, and called the police. There were also calls for revoking the drivers’ licenses and imposing severe fines. According to reports from the Croatian daily newspaper Dnevnik, the Polish driver eventually reached the area of Donje Zdenčine, where he was stopped by police officers who initiated legal proceedings. The footage of the police vehicle blocking his path later circulated online, confirming that the authorities had taken action. However, the broader implications of the incident remain a subject of debate. While the immediate consequences were contained, the event underscores how frustration during peak traffic can lead to dangerous decisions that threaten lives. This incident is part of a pattern observed in recent months, where increasing numbers of tourists have contributed to heightened tensions on Croatian roads. With summer travel season in full swing, motorways have become congested, leading to a rise in incidents involving erratic driving. Authorities have warned repeatedly about the dangers of using emergency lanes for non-emergency purposes and the risks posed by illegal maneuvers on highways. As the investigation into the incident continues, there is speculation about whether additional charges will be filed against the drivers. Meanwhile, local officials are considering measures to improve traffic management during peak hours, including increased patrols and enhanced signage to guide drivers away from dangerous practices. The case has also prompted discussions about the need for better education on road safety among foreign visitors, particularly those unfamiliar with local regulations.