In a previous article, we touched upon the importance of maintaining the correct posture whilst driving, and how a seemingly innocuous act like driving without a shirt could land you in hot water with the DGT. Another common summer habit that falls under the same umbrella of risky behaviour is hanging your arm out of the car window. While it might feel liberating to let the breeze flow over your arm, it’s a practice fraught with danger and, like going topless, can result in a hefty fine.
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The Letter of the Law
Spain’s traffic laws are clear on this. Article 18, Section 1 of Royal Decree 1428/2003 of 21 November, which approves the Rules of the Road, explicitly states that “The driver of a vehicle must maintain their own freedom of movement, the required field of vision and permanent attention to driving.” This comprehensive rule covers a multitude of actions that could impede your control of the vehicle, including having a limb dangling outside. Those repetitive messages from your driving instructor about keeping both hands on the wheel and your arms inside the car weren’t just nagging; they were, and still are, crucial for safe driving.
Why It’s Dangerous
The risks associated with having an arm out of the window are far more severe than you might imagine:
Serious Injury or Worse: There are countless documented cases of motorists suffering horrendous injuries, even the loss of limbs, when their arm is “clipped” by a passing vehicle or in the event of a collision. Your car’s safety cage is designed to protect occupants within it, not limbs outside.
Risk to Other Road Users: An outstretched arm can pose a significant hazard to vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists, who might not anticipate a sudden obstruction in their path.
Misleading Signals: An arm extended from the vehicle can easily be misinterpreted by other drivers as a hand signal. For instance, a left arm outstretched can indicate an intention to turn left. If your indicators aren’t working, these hand signals (left arm out and straight for a left turn, left arm out and bent at a right angle for a right turn, or a palm facing backwards for reversing) are legally recognised. Unintended or confusing signals can lead to dangerous misunderstandings and accidents.
Obscured Vision: Your arm, or even your head if you’re leaning too far out, can obstruct your view of the vehicle’s mirrors, making it difficult to properly observe your surroundings and spot potential hazards.
Furthermore, if you’re able to put your head out of the window, it’s a clear indication that your seatbelt isn’t correctly fastened, further compromising your safety.
Don’t Risk It
Ultimately, keeping all parts of your body safely within the confines of your vehicle is not just about avoiding a fine; it’s about protecting yourself and other road users from potentially life-altering injuries. So, resist the urge to hang your arm out the window, keep your hands where they belong – on the wheel – and stay safe on those summer roads.
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