Drive Bright, Drive Safe: Visibility Tips for Visitors
If you’re hiring a car in Spain this autumn or winter, visibility should be top of your checklist. A few quick adjustments before setting off can make every journey safer.
If you’re hiring a car in Spain this autumn or winter, visibility should be top of your checklist. A few quick adjustments before setting off can make every journey safer.
Personal mobility vehicles (VMPs), such as electric scooters, are now a common sight on Spanish roads.
Rain increases risks on the road. Check your windscreen, wipers, tyres, and lights before setting off. In wet conditions, slow down, avoid sudden manoeuvres, and be careful around puddles — they can cause aquaplaning or splash pedestrians, especially near schools.
As autumn progresses, visibility worsens. High-visibility clothing and reflective accessories can make pedestrians and cyclists visible 60–80% further away than dark clothing.
In Spain, the only safe limit for alcohol and drugs when driving is zero. Legal limits are already lower than in many countries, and for young drivers under 18 the limit is zero. Professional drivers, such as those operating school buses, face even stricter rules, and forthcoming legislation may lower the threshold further for everyone
School zones are high-risk areas. Speed limits are often reduced to 20–30 km/h, and Local Police frequently manage traffic at start and end times — their instructions take precedence over all signs.