Clock Change in October: Mind, Body, and… Lights
At the end of October, the clocks go back one hour as Spain switches to winter time.
At the end of October, the clocks go back one hour as Spain switches to winter time.
Road safety doesn’t stop in September. Halloween brings children in dark costumes, excited and distracted. Christmas and the Three Kings add heavy traffic, crowded streets, and more risk of theft.
In Spain, pedestrians do not always have priority, except at marked crossings or when vehicles turn across their path. Tourists should note that pedestrians must use crossings where available, and drivers must stop when someone is waiting to cross.
Walking is healthy, but pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users. Use pavements where available, and if not, walk facing traffic. Wear high-visibility clothing in poor light and avoid distractions such as phones or headphones.
Spain anticipates a record-breaking summer with over 100 million long-distance road trips. The Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) is implementing special measures and heightened surveillance to ensure safety, with a strong focus on preventing accidents caused by motorcyclists, distracted driving, and alcohol consumption. Plan your journeys wisely and prioritize safety to enjoy your summer travels!
Understanding stopping distances is crucial for road safety. This involves thinking time, reaction time, and braking time. The two-second rule is a simple way to maintain a safe following distance on dry roads, which should be doubled in wet conditions and significantly increased on slippery surfaces. At 120 km/h, a car travels over 33 metres per second, meaning even with an optimal one-second reaction, you’ve covered a significant distance before braking. The article highlights how inadequate following distances at speed, especially on motorways, drastically increase the risk of fatal collisions. Factors like driver alertness, vehicle condition, and road conditions all impact these critical distances. If you find a vehicle too close behind you, it’s safer to gently reduce your speed or change lanes, rather than reacting aggressively.