After a busy start to August, Spain is preparing for what is traditionally one of the busiest weekends of the entire summer.
The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has announced its second major August traffic operation, running from Thursday 14 August until Saturday 16 August, covering the long weekend around the national holiday on 15 August, when millions of people travel across the country for holidays, family gatherings and local fiestas.
This is the second of three major summer traffic operations, with the final Return Operation taking place at the end of the month as holidaymakers begin making their journeys home.
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One of the busiest weekends of the year
Unlike the first August operation, which marked the start of the main holiday period, this weekend combines several different types of travel.
Many people are beginning their summer break.
Others are returning home after the first half of August.
Families are travelling to celebrate the Assumption holiday.
Visitors continue to arrive from across Europe.
At the same time, Spain’s roads remain busy with motorcycles, cyclists, caravans, motorhomes and drivers unfamiliar with local routes.
The result is one of the highest traffic volumes of the entire year.
Give yourself time
Traffic delays are almost inevitable during holiday changeovers.
Rather than trying to make up lost time through faster driving, allow extra time for your journey and accept that congestion is part of travelling during peak season.
The DGT recommends planning your route before leaving, checking current traffic conditions, and taking regular breaks throughout longer journeys.
Summer heat also places additional demands on both drivers and vehicles.
Fatigue, dehydration and reduced concentration all increase the likelihood of mistakes.
Alcohol, drugs and celebrations
This weekend also brings countless local fiestas and celebrations across Spain.
Many people will be enjoying meals with family, meeting friends or attending festivals.
If your plans include alcohol, your transport home should be planned before your first drink.
At N332 we have always promoted one simple message.
The only safe alcohol limit is zero.
While Spain has legal alcohol limits, alcohol begins affecting judgement, reaction times and decision-making long before many people believe they are impaired.
The same applies to illegal drugs and some prescription medications.
Don’t gamble with your licence, your future or someone else’s life.
Remember the V-16
This remains the first summer in which the connected V-16 emergency beacon is mandatory in Spain.
If your vehicle breaks down, using the V-16 allows your location to be shared automatically through the DGT traffic management system while warning approaching drivers without requiring you to step into moving traffic.
Before you travel
- Plan your route.
- Allow extra time.
- Avoid driving when tired.
- Stay hydrated.
- Take regular breaks.
- Keep a safe following distance.
- Expect heavier traffic.
- Never drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.
- Respect speed limits.
- Help everyone enjoy a safe holiday.
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