Safe driving isn’t just about a well-maintained vehicle or good road conditions; it’s profoundly influenced by the driver’s physical and mental state. Within this context, understanding the ‘rebound effect’ is crucial – a dangerous phenomenon that can severely compromise your safety on the road
DGT has launched a special traffic operation for the long weekend of 15 August, deploying law enforcement, surveillance, and lane adjustments to manage over 7 million expected journeys while highlighting safety amid fire risks
Overtaking is one of the most common, yet potentially dangerous, manoeuvres on the road. In Spain, the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) places significant emphasis on clear regulations and signage to mitigate risks.
The N332 Collection – 2025 Part 1 is the essential handbook for safe, legal driving in Spain. Covering the first half of 2025, it includes updates to traffic laws, roundabout rules, electric scooter legislation, speed limits, V16 emergency lights, and more—written in clear English by the team behind N332. Perfect for expats, residents and community groups across Spain.
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.
A recent social media rumour claimed that the DGT (Directorate General of Traffic) in Spain was planning to fine drivers who travel alone. This is false. While the DGT is encouraging carpooling to reduce congestion and emissions, inspired by the success of high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, which have reduced single-occupant cars by up to 47% on Madrid’s A6 motorway, there are no plans to fine drivers for being alone in their vehicles. The confusion arose from the existing fines for misuse of HOV lanes (200 euro) and statements from Director General Pere Navarro emphasising the need to increase vehicle occupancy. The article clarifies that the DGT aims to promote shared travel, not penalise solo drivers.