The School Run Safety Advice Continues – The N332 Driving in Spain Podcast

This week, our focus has been firmly on the safety of children as they make their way to school. The school run, whether by car, on foot, or by bike, can be a time of increased traffic and heightened risk. That’s why we’re publishing a series of articles on the N332 website, which I’m going to share with you now.

We’ve been looking at the vital role that visibility, awareness, and safety play for pedestrians. As the most vulnerable group of road users, children walking to school must be protected. One of the key messages is for parents to plan the route together with their children, highlighting crossings, junctions, and potential hazards. And, especially in the darker autumn and winter months, it is essential that children wear high-visibility clothing or reflective accessories so they can be seen by drivers.

For young walkers, the rules are clear: stay on the pavement, and if there isn’t one, walk facing oncoming traffic. Pedestrian crossings are there for a reason, and while a zebra crossing gives you priority, it’s still crucial to make sure vehicles have seen you and are stopping before you step out.

But the responsibility isn’t just on the pedestrians. Drivers must also play their part. This includes never parking on pavements or crossings and always slowing down near schools, as children can be unpredictable. As Article 65 of Spanish Traffic Law states, drivers must never act in a way that endangers pedestrians.

Now, let’s talk about cycling to school. It’s a healthy, independent, and eco-friendly way to travel, but it also comes with its own set of risks. The law in Spain is very specific about cyclists, especially children. For riders under 16, a helmet is mandatory on any road. Visibility is also key, and bikes must have a front white light, a rear red light, and a rear reflector when visibility is poor.

Children on bikes are considered a vehicle on the road, and they must follow the same rules as drivers. This means no riding on pavements unless there’s a designated cycle lane. And just like in a car, using headphones, earphones, or mobile phones while cycling is strictly forbidden as they are a major distraction. A crucial point to remember is that you must get off your bike and walk it across a zebra crossing; riding across does not give you priority.

For drivers, the rules for overtaking a cyclist are clear: you must leave at least 1.5 metres of lateral distance. You are even permitted to cross a solid white line to do this, but only if the opposite lane is completely clear and it’s safe to do so.

And finally, we’ve taken a broader look at pedestrian priorities in Spain. It’s a common misconception that pedestrians have automatic priority everywhere. The truth is, both drivers and pedestrians have specific obligations under Spanish law. For example, pedestrians are required to use crossings or footbridges if they are nearby. You can’t just cut across the road, walk diagonally, or cross at roundabouts. In towns, the DGT even recommends walking closer to the middle of the pavement, away from the kerb, to reduce the risk of being hit by a vehicle.

All of these articles are available on the N332.es website, and I urge you to read them. They provide essential information to help keep our roads safe for everyone, especially our most vulnerable users.

Now, let’s take a look at what was happening in the world of motoring history this week.

It was this week in 1921 that the first-ever motor race was held in Spain on public roads. The race was held on a circuit near the town of Sitges, not far from Barcelona. It was an unofficial but hugely popular event that helped ignite a passion for motorsport in Spain.

Then, a year later in 1922, a group of enthusiasts founded the Royal Automobile Club of Spain, known as the RACE. Its mission was to promote and defend the interests of motorists and to improve road infrastructure in the country. A mission that it continues to fulfil to this day.

Finally, in 1965, the first Spanish-built Ford was produced at the factory in Valencia. The model was the Ford Transit, which went on to become an iconic vehicle in Spain and across Europe.

And that brings us to the end of this week’s podcast. I hope you’ve found the information on school run safety helpful and that it encourages you to be extra cautious and aware on the roads, whether you’re a driver, cyclist, or pedestrian. Remember, road safety is a shared responsibility.

Please be sure to visit N332.es to read the full articles on walking, cycling, and pedestrian rules, and to find out more about Spanish traffic law and road safety.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss an episode. You can also follow us on social media for more updates.

Until next time, drive safely, and thanks for listening.