N332 RoadWatch - Issue 01 - July 2016

www.n332.es

ROADWATCH

With thousands more vehicles on the roads this summer, remember...

The latest traffic rules.

New campaign by the Guardia Civil, “how you will be stopped”.

Forest fires.

Superbikes.

Traffic news.

Distractions.

Tyre safety.

Plus MORE ALL inside

...It´s a limit, not a target Issue 01 - July 2016

1,50€

Welcome to N332 RoadWatch Welcome to N332 RoadWatch, our new regular eMagazine. This is the next progression in the N332 road safety project, supporting the website and the articles published on Facebook, and bringing them to you in a new and easy to read format via your computer and tablet.

My name is Mark Nolan by the way, one of the people behind the n332.es website and one of the original participants in the project. Through our collaboration with the Guardia Civil traffic officers, we are able to ensure that all of the information brought to you is not only up to date, but it is accurate. We are all far too aware of a lot of misinformation being shared, not only through social networks, but even through other means too.

Some of the articles you may have read before, but they are seasonal, and so it is important that we remind ourselves of the importance of such things as not wearing flip-flops when driving, for example.

I was lucky enough to go and play on some of the new patrol motorbikes which have entered service recently, as you can see in my picture. Sadly for me, at the time, they didn´t even have a battery. Not that they would have let me ride away on one either way. You can find out more about these new bikes inside. We also cover fire risks as it´s summer, tyre safety, distractions, and more, including an insight into the new cameras keeping a sharp eye out on traffic.

In the next issue, we will tell you more about our next exciting venture. We will be giving you the opportunity to join our exclusive new members club. By collaborating with our sponsors and supporters, we will be able to offer members some great discounts, and you will also be able to receive future copies of this publication for free.

You are able to read each eMagazine for free already via the n332.es website, or you can pay a small fee to download your own copy in PDF format. The money received goes back into the project, as everybody involved gives up their time for free, and we will be giving a portion of the earnings to a charity, more about that in the next edition too.

Meanwhile, if you are a business and would like to get involved by supporting us, in exchange for an advert in these pages or the website, send us an email. Details are in the red box below.

As for everybody else, we hope you enjoy this first edition. We are now off to start work on the next. Enjoy your summer and stay safe.

N332 RoadWatch is published by Mark Nolan, an independent and autonomous publicist.

ALL content is protected by international copyright laws and must not be reproduced or copied, in part or in full, without the express permission of the publisher.

For advertising and sales enquiries, please call (0034) 69 44 65 821 or email admin@n332.es.

Website support and development is from MANDAMEDIA.eu The publisher is not responsible for errors and information presented herein is not legally binding.

NEWS CATCH UP Roadside Robbers Arrested on Motorway

Officers from the Guardia Civil in Murcia have arrested two people on suspicion of being involved in a spate of robberies on the A7 motorway.

The officers were involved in preventative duties in the Guadalentín area when they were notified of reports of a series of robberies having taken place from rest areas and service stations on the motorway.

Having received the information which allowed them to assess the likely movements of the offenders, officers descended on a number of rest areas and lay in wait.

The strategy soon proved fruitful as one of the patrols observed a vehicle behaving in a suspicious manner in a rest area near to Librilla, with two occupants on board who matched the descriptions of those given by witnesses to the previous crimes.

The officers stopped the vehicle in order to carry out a seemingly routine

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check and sought to identify the two people on board, whilst also searching their vehicle, where they found various items reported stolen in recent incidents.

The evidence found allowed the officers to arrest the two people on suspicion of robbery with violence and intimidation where they were brought into custody.

The preliminary investigation indicates that at the time of the arrest the two suspects were about to commit a robbery, which was foiled by the officers, but they are attributed as being the alleged authors of two counts of robbery with violence and intimidation, not ruling out its involvement in more crimes.

Those arrested are both male and of Romanian nationality, aged 21 and 20 years, living in the Alicante province and have a background of having committed similar offences. They were subsequently brought before the courts in Totana.

Officers Chase Drugged-Up Trucker

Officers from the Guardia Civil in Murcia detained the driver of an articulated lorry for reckless driving “with conscious disregard for the lives of others” and “under the influence of toxic drugs”.

The arrest didn´t come easy for the officers pursuing the 40 ton truck as the driver made no indication of his intention to stop. In fact, officers gave chase for more than 70 kilometres from Archena to Yecla.

The incident took place last Friday when the traffic officers received an alert from local police in Archena who reported the truck driving through the village of Algaida in an irregular manner, zigzagging, oscillating, and occupying the entire roadway, and having disobeyed repeated signals to stop.

A local police patrol from Archena began following the vehicle, with lights illuminated and siren sounding, but was unable to overtake safely.

The Guardia Civil were waiting at an junction of the A-30 Albacete to Cartagena road, intent on intercepting the vehicle as it slowed down to move through the road network. However, the truck driver still refused to stop and continued along the road with more patrols trying to force the vehicle to slow down and stop, whilst trying to avoid a

collision.

As the chase continued, other officers were forced to close the road ahead so as to prevent risk to other road users.

Further ahead, a “stinger” device had been deployed which the truck drove over, successfully bursting the tyres.

The truck still continued, albeit at a slower speed on account of the damage, which eventually allowed a daring officer to break a window and board the truck, struggling with the driver, and eventually bringing the vehicle to a standstill, some 70 kilometres after the chase began.

The officers were able to identify the driver as being a Spanish national, aged 40, and a resident of Murcia, presenting clear and obvious signs of intoxication. He was therefore subjected to mandatory alcohol and drugs tests which gave a positive result for cocaine.

The driver was therefore arrested for a number of offences, driving with reckless disregard for the lives of others and driving under the influence of drugs, as well as resistance and disobedience to law enforcement.

The driver appeared in court and had his licence withdrawn as a precaution before awaiting a trial date where he faces a lengthy prison term.

Officers Injured in Pursuit Crash

Two Guardia Civil traffic officers were injured when their vehicles crashed during a pursuit.

The officers were following a Skoda through the province of Zaragoza for around an hour on Saturday after the vehicle failed to stop at three traffic control points.

The occupants of the vehicle then started to throw items from the car in an attempt to prevent the officers from catching up with them.

The fleeing vehicle eventually crashed into a truck, with one of the pa-

trol cars and a motorbike being damaged in the collision.

Upon approaching the crashed car, officers discovered that the driver, a Polish national, was naked from the waist down and it was his clothes he had been throwing from the vehicle.

One of the officers suffered a broken leg and the other from a collapsed kneecap. The reckless actions of the driver risked the lives of many people on the roads and will be dealt with through the courts.

NEWS CATCH UP Toll Avoider Convicted

by Courts

A judge ruled in favour of an operating company after a campaign was launched across Spain to encourage drivers to refuse to pay tolls on the motorway network.

This is the first time a driver has been prosecuted through the courts for continual none payment of tolls, resulting in the driver being forced to pay 358 euro plus interest.

The orchestrated campaign under the slogan “no vull pagar”, encouraging drivers to refuse to pay, spread through social network sites after a number of drivers believed the fees to be unfair on account of the huge debts owed by the operators to the public purse. In the ruling, the judge has confirmed that the toll road operators are justified in charging for the use of the network in order to offset the costs of construction, management and maintenance.

In this particular case, the driver had avoided paying tolls on 60 occasions between April and August of 2012, on the C-32 and AP7 motorway. The defendant admitted during the trial to have joined the network with “no intention of paying” but claimed to have only

done so on 8 occasions.

The evidence provided by the concessionaire showed that there were many more: 56 in the case of the barriers of the C-32 and 4 in the case of the AP-7.

Therefore, the man, who lives in Barcelona, must pay 358 euros plus interest to the operator, as well as paying the legal fees. Of the 358 euro, 318 corresponds to the amount of tolls not paid at the time and 40 are by way of damages for administrative expenses.

For genuine cases, there is an established protocol in place for dealing with drivers who have no immediate means of payment. In this circumstance, the toll booth operator would take a copy of the driver´s identity documents and the vehicle´s details and issue a notice to the driver with details of a bank account to pay into within a specified time.

Failure to pay would then result in the driver being reported for an offence. Repeat offenders face having their vehicle immobilised until the Guardia Civil arrive to deal with the driver. However, in genuine cases, if payment is made in time, there is not likely to be any future issues.

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NEWS CATCH UP Fined for Falsifying Things are Not Always ITV Sticker What They Seem

The Courts in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria have imposed a fine of 540 euro on a 33-year old woman who changed the ITV sticker on her vehicle so as to pretend that her car had successfully passed the mandatory test.

The case has taken two years to get to court and was brought about after two local police officers from Las Palmas attended an incident in the El Lasso area. A vehicle check indicated that one of the cars had not undertaken a successful ITV test, and had not been considered roadworthy for some months, despite the vehicle displaying a sticker in the windscreen.

The officers submitted a report for proceedings of a crime of forgery of public documents.

Once the case reached the courts the judge considered the evidence sufficient to prove that a fraudulent act had taken place and therefore condemned the vehicle

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owner to pay the 540 euro fine over a period of two months.

It is a mandatory requirement for vehicles which have reached the statutory age to display an ITV sticker in the windscreen, which is colour coded in accordance with the year of expiry and contains the expiry date.

Only one ITV sticker should be displayed at any one time and so once the next test has been passed and a new sticker issued, the previous one should be removed. The sticker should also be placed in the top right hand side of the windscreen (as you look out), so that officers looking out for it will be able to see the data quicker and are less likely to have to force you to stop whilst they check the details.

It is also mandatory to carry the ITV card and report with you in the vehicle as one of the documents you must carry in the car, along with the Permiso de Circulacion.

When officers from the Guardia Civil thought they were about to file a typical complaint of a driver of a passenger car diving in a restricted lane, they became surprised by what they found whilst processing the complaint.

The vehicle was travelling on the A6 in the direction of Madrid in a lane which can only be occupied by vehicles carrying more than one person, an invention aimed at reducing congestion by encouraging car sharing.

However, one of the officers monitoring the lane observed what was considered an unusual sight for a summer´s evening. The passenger, apparently a child, was wearing a winter coat, hat and head-

phones.

Whereas the first instinct might have been to question whether the child was allowed to sit in the front seat, upon closer inspection, it soon became clear to the officer that the passenger in the car was not human, but was rather a life-sized doll which was sat in the passenger seat.

Although having dolls in the car can sometimes be used as a deterrent to give confidence to more vulnerable and nervous drivers, the only conclusion that could be drawn from this incident is that the driver was hoping to exploit the lane restrictions by pretending to have a real, human passenger in the car with him.

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A Red Light Means Stop On their official YouTube channel, the Guardia Civil have published a video explaining the actions that patrols will take in order to stop a vehicle on the roadside. If you would like to view the video translated into English, visit the n332.es website.

This is vital information that everybody should know so please share it amongst your friends.

We have also taken the key points from the video so you can read them here. There are four basic points you need to know.

When an official vehicle wants you to stop, it will display a flashing red light in addition to the blue lights.

This red light means you must stop your vehicle by manoeuvring to the right hand side of the road.

You must stop your vehicle in a place where it doesn´t cause an increased risk to other road users, it this is not possible, you must continue until you can stop in a safe place. The patrol will stop their vehicle behind yours.

All the occupants of your vehicle must remain inside the vehicle. The officer will approach you on the right side of your vehicle to notify the reason for stopping you.

Once the officers have finished dealing with you, they will assist you in joining the main flow of traffic.

Remember 1 flashing red light indicates that must stop.

2 You must stop the vehicle in a safe area.

3 When stopping, no one should leave the vehicle.

4 When you´re finished, wait for the officers to assist you in joining the flow of traffic.

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Beware of Fire Risks

Spain is currently on a heightened alert status for the risk of forest fires, a devastating phenomenon that can take lives, livelihoods and homes, and a situation which is usually caused by simple neglect.

In Spain, it is estimated that more than 80% of all forest fires are caused by human interaction. In America incidentally the figure is as many as 90%.

Whereas some of those fires are started deliberately, and the reason for those fires is usually down to the individual concerned, the vast majority are caused by accidental ignition, but accidents can be prevented.

The heightened state runs through to the end of October, although there is always the possibility of an extension depending on the weather, and it is a time when everybody is asked to be both alert and vigilant to the risks that any one of us can pose on a regular basis.

According to the Ministry of Environment, Rural and Marine Affairs, of the 21,000 forest fires in Spain last year, 3% were caused by a cigarette butt thrown from a vehicle. Despite the decline in the number of smokers and the public awareness of the risks of fire, it still remains one of the gravest dangers to forests and fields.

It is not only cigarettes however, even litter can pose a risk of fire if discarded by the roadside. In the searing heat of summer it is possible for paper based products to become so hot that the combust, glass can have a magnifying effect and can instantly cause a flame to ignite as the sun´s rays are amplified through it.

It is for that reason that throwing any object from a vehicle is considered such a serious offence. You can be fined 200 euro for doing so and lose 4 points off your license. Become a continual offender and your licence can be withdrawn, as is the case for any road traffic offence of course.

The vehicle itself also poses a risk of fire. As the engine and motor components heat up whilst driving they too be-

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come a potential threat. A hot exhaust pipe catching against dry and arid shrubbery for example could quickly become an inferno.

If you do smoke, make sure that you dispose of all of your smoking materials safely and correctly, not just on the ground.

The “fire triangle” or “combustion triangle” is a simple model for understanding the necessary ingredients for most fires. The triangle illustrates the three elements a fire needs to ignite: heat, fuel, and an oxidizing agent (usually oxygen). It´s sometimes simplified into the elements of heat, something to burn and oxygen.

The removal of any one of the three elements of the triangle means that fire cannot take place.

There are a variety of processes implemented to try to reduce the risk of fire, including a ban during the hottest months on farmers and industrial locations starting controlled fires.

Oxygen is present in the air, so there is not a lot we can do about removing that risk. Similarly, there is little that can be done to remove the fuel of forest fires, the dry trees and shrubbery themselves, but there is something we can do about the heat source, the ignition.

Taking all your rubbish home and depositing it in a safe place is one easy task. You probably remember old TV public service announcements about how glass can start a fire, but any litter can be a contributing factor to fire.

Burning embers from summer BBQ´s are a common source of ignition, so these too must be disposed of correctly. It is important therefore to only park your vehicle in authorised and official parking places, and to heed the road signs along the way.

If you do spot a fire, or smoke which could soon become a major problem, please contact the 112 emergency centres as soon as possible, where operators are able to speak a variety of languages, including English. If you do speak Spanish and the fire is by the roadside you can also contact the Guardia Civil emergency number on 062. Remember though, before you call, make sure you find out your exact location through street signs, road markers or major landmarks.

Incidentally, the DGT are also supporting the campaign at the moment and have shared a number of educational videos published in the 60´s and 70´s by the forestry directorate.

Some of these videos are available on the n332.es website and although they may be in Spanish, rather old fashioned looking, and not quite the polished presentation of a Hollywood blockbuster, their message is quite clear.

One Drive – Six Distractions Focussing on the task in hand is the only way of staying as safe as possible when driving, thus, avoiding distractions is crucial to keeping our attention on the roads.

According to a study conducted by BP, Castrol and RACE, more than 15 million drivers on the road are being distracted by manipulating devices in the vehicle.

The information obtained from the 1,145 respondents shows that, on average, a driver performs six actions involving manipulation of elements of the vehicle which can cause a distraction behind the wheel.

These six distractions include accessing the Internet from the vehicle, using a web browser, synchronising devices and searching for objects in the glove compartment. But not only that, only 42% of drivers regularly check their rear view mirror in in place and only 22% check that the driving seat is correctly positioned.

The tested drivers also report that they are unfamiliar with the more complicated controls within their own vehicles, in fact, 95% say that there should be more training on new technologies that are incorporated in their vehicles. The drivers who responded claim that this technology not only

causes uncertainty and stress, but it also leads to potentially catastrophic consequences, so much so, lack of knowledge of the vehicle´s own built-in

on board, it provides you with two additional active safety systems. ABS or “Antilock Braking System” and TCS, or “Traction Control System”.

devices was a factor in distracting one in four of every driver.

The drivers were unaware of one of the biggest breakthroughs in safer motoring, ESP, which has been mandatory in all new cars since 2011. Of the drivers surveyed, 44% were aware of the concept but 20% didn´t know if it was installed in their vehicle whereas 58% do not know how it works or what it does.

ESP stands for “Electronic Stability Program”.

If your vehicle has ESP®

ABS prevents the wheels from locking during braking whereas TCS prevents the wheels from spinning when starting off and accelerating.

To try to alleviate problems of distractions BP, Castrol and RACE have launched a campaign which will be fed through social networks in Spain, using the hashtag #manosalvolante. The aim being to educate drivers about the importance of keeping attention on driving, and not be distracted by elements that can be found within

the passenger compartment. The initiative aims to improve safety on all trips, whether short or long distance, through responsible behaviour.

Within its strategy, the group aims to improve the knowledge among drivers of their vehicles, and incorporating new technologies to help them better understand their operation. To do so, the campaign has the support of Roldán Rodríguez, a Spanish racing driver, who competed in the GP2 Series from 2007 to 2009, who will be offering different advice about the importance of staying focused on the road and vehicle knowledge.

There is also a website, www.manosalvolante.es, where you can find instructional videos, infographics on the main sources of distractions, interviews with personalities, knowledge games, contests on Facebook and special campaigns to be launched through social networks.

Furthermore, within the framework of the campaign, 250 drivers will have the opportunity to receive training in technology and road safety on the Circuito del Jarama racing track in order to get to know the all about some of the new systems incorporated in the vehicles.

11

Murcia Motorway is Deadliest Road in the Region Analysis has revealed that the A7 motorway in Murcia is the deadliest stretch of road in the entire region, after the most recent fatal crash brought the death toll to twenty victims in sixteen incidents over the past six years.

The data was collated following the deaths of two truck drivers and two golfers when their vehicles collided in June, one of the trucks bursting into flames.

In 2011 there were three fatal crashes in which three people lost their lives, in 2013 four people were killed in four fatal incidents. In 2014 there were five deaths in five

12

incidents. In 2015 there were four incidents in which three lives were lost and so far in 2016 four people have been killed in a single deadly incident.

The RM-714 which also runs through the region is also top of the deadliest roads list after twenty four people lost their lives in six incidents on the Ju-

milla to Venta del Olivo y Calasparra road. The largest death toll in a single incident was when a bus crashed in Cieza in November of last year resulting in fourteen people being killed.

However, despite these statistics, the Director General of Traffic does not recognise the areas as being “black spots�. In

fact, the only location in Murcia considered as such is the RM D14 at Ă guilas, at kilometre marker post 2.4. This zone is classed as dangerous as it has been the location of three injury incidents in 2015.

It is quite possible that the DGT revisit the location following these most recent deadly incidents, but as much of the motorway in the area is set for an overhaul and widening scheme in the next few years, it may well be that more modern road features can play a bigger part in reducing incidents, so long as drivers themselves also do their bit to keep the roads safe.

Keep Cool Whilst Driving Being comfortable when driving is essential to staying safe on the roads, not because we want to feel particularly relaxed when we drive, but if we feel uncomfortable then the situation itself can lead to distractions, in much the same was as sitting on a hard or lumpy surface might take our attention away.

Similarly, if we start to feel too warm or overheat, that can lead to fatigue, which in turn can lead to a potentially deadly situation when driving.

Firstly, keeping the car cool before we enter it is the best course of initial action. Park your vehicle in the garage if you have one or in the shade, perhaps under a tree or in the shadow of a building. Remember though, the sun moves and so does the shadow, so plan the position of your parked car based on where the most effective shadows will be cast. You also need to be aware that parking directly under trees can result in deposits from birds above or even the sap of the tree itself. This can be particularly problematic if it lands on the windows, so make sure they are clear and clean before you drive.

You can use reflective screens on your windows when the vehicle is parked to reduce the build-up of heat inside. It is quite common for the interior temperature to reach 10 degrees more than the outside very quickly. This is also the problem of leaving dogs, and humans for that matter, inside vehicles. You can also buy shades for the side windows, some stick on the glass on the inside, or you can use a cloth to prevent the sun´s rays from entering. Remember to remove these from the front windows before you drive though.

Opening the windows and even the doors of the vehicle for a few minutes before you are planning to drive will reduce the internal temperature.

Remember not to hinder any other road users though by leaving your doors open in the potential path of traffic or pedestrians.

Many modern vehicles are equipped with air conditioning or climate control, both of which serve to keep the inside temperature of the vehicle at

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a more comfortable level. This should be used to gradually reduce the temperature initially as sudden changes can pose other problems, not least whilst our body adjusts. You should also keep your air conditioning checked and gassed to ensure optimum performance, and have your filters checked on a regular basis. Our friends at Autos Direct in San Miguel can do this for you if you wish, contact them for more details.

Finally, avoiding driving at the hottest time of the day is always recommended. It is also recommended however that you should try to avoid driving during sunrise and sunset, largely because of the position of the sun which can cause extreme glare and dazzle us, which can render us temporarily blind, which is never a good situation to find yourself in when driving. If you do find yourself

blinded by the sun, try to bring your vehicle to a gradual halt in a safe position. Sudden movements are very dangerous, and so gentleness is key in such a situation.

Wear comfortable and loose fitting clothing, but always appropriate footwear, ensure you plan to stop for frequent breaks and keep yourself topped up with water.

Above all, whatever action you take, always remain calm and alert, it is easier for tempers to become frayed with the heat and incidents of “road rage� to increase. Keep cool, relaxed and alert, be patient of other drivers who may not be as used to the roads as you are, and stay safe in the summer sun.

Over a Million Vehicles have Defective Tyres Throughout June we have been focussing on tyre safety and the importance of checking your tyres on a regular basis.

However, as well as the regular checks, it is always crucial to do additional checks before and after long journeys, which is why the focus has been during the month leading up to the summer holidays.

Tyres are amongst the most important elements of a vehicle, and the most abused at times, and their quality can quite literally mean the difference between life and death.

However, despite all of the risks and the impor-

tance put on tyre safety, it is still anticipated that more than a million vehicles are on the roads of Spain alone with defective tyres.

The Royal Automobile Club of Spain (RACE) in collaboration with GOODYEAR recently performed more than 380,330 technical inspections of vehicles and ITV stations throughout Spain.

Of the 380,330 inspections in 14,744 cases they found tyres with very serious defects. Using that figure as a benchmark, the figure would relate to almost 4% of all of the vehicles on the roads of Spain, some 1.1 million

vehicles, the majority of which are passenger cars.

However, proportionally, light vans have a higher percentage of vehicles with a total of 4.8% of all vans on the roads having serious defects.

The most common defects found on the tyres checked were related to good tyre maintenance, normally because of excessive or uneven wear.

We have looked at checking tyres already and we will offer more advice again, but the figures highlight the need to perform regular checks.

For their part, GOODYEAR have produced 100,000 informa-

tion leaflets which are being distributed through ITV centres and maintenance workshops offering further advice.

Here at N332, we have spoken to our friends at Autos Direct in San Miguel and they have agreed to check your tyres for defects for free during July, and show you the most important elements you can check on your own. All you have to do is contact Autos Direct and say that you follow N332 and they will perform the checks for you. For more information, visit their website, autosdirect.es and get your tyres checked by the experts today.

15

Appropriate Footwear for D

As summer is upon us, there are a number of considerations we have to think of when driving, as the roads get busier, the temperature rises and many of the most common questions start to raise their heads once more, especially about footwear and clothing.

One of those common questions is “can I drive in flip flops”. The answer is that although flip flops are not prohibited as such, there are no specific types of footwear mentioned in the legislation, it is certainly not advisable, and you can be fined for wearing “inappropriate” footwear, which would include flip flops, beach shoes, div-

16

ing flippers and high heels, amongst others.

Flip flops and sandals are considered by far the most dangerous of all inappropriate footwear.

Shoes which don´t fit securely may fall off when driving and can get in the way of the pedals.

Equally dangerous is how the foot can slip whilst the shoe remains in contact with the pedal, thus reducing braking time and causing a considerable risk when stopping.

High heels also pose their own problems, largely because these shoes are designed to alter the shape of the foot and ankle in order to raise the profile of the wearer. That´s all very

well for a glamorous stroll through a prestigious event, but when sitting in a driving position the shape of the shoe prevents correct contact with the pedals, again reducing the response time.

Wearing appropriate footwear is a must when driving. When you think about the physical process required to make a vehicle go, turn or stop, all of the actions are performed by our hands and feet.

With the laws relating to driving, the Reglamento General de Circulacion, article 3.1 says that, ”You have to drive properly avoiding damage to people / things. It is forbidden to drive in a negligent or

reckless way.”

Although driving in a “reckless” manner might not be the norm for most, it is the word “negligent” which can lead to fines when a person doesn´t realise that they are doing anything wrong.

When you drive with flip flops the risk of being involved in an incident is multiplied. For example, when you drive back home from the beach, your flip flops might be wet and be covered with sand, therefore you have a high risk of losing your flip flops whilst driving or when you use your car pedals. With Flip flops you cannot break or accelerate properly, as they are slippy and loose from your feet, providing less traction under foot. ALL these factors can end in a traffic incident and can therefore result in you being the cause of such an incident, by driving in a negligent manner.

Supposing a lack of control of the clutch makes the car lunge forward and hit something in front, or the reaction time is reduced due to stumbling feet and you are unable to stop before hitting an obstacle, if it is likely that the inappropriate footwear was a contributing factor, the driver may well see a fixed penalty notice issued. Similarly, if

Driving - What the Law Says an insurance company decides that inappropriate footwear was a contributing factor, it may lessen the compensation amount in the event of a claim.

There are many documented cases of people driving in flip flops or with high heels who have had an incidents where their footwear have been a contributing factor. So there is NO specific article which prohibits the use of any kind of footwear, article 3.1 can be applied to those drivers who have or may be involved in an incident as a consequence of this or not driving properly.

There is a similar situation in the U.K. incidentally, and although we might consider it unique to Spain, it isn´t. Perhaps the number of recorded incidents increase as there is more of a likelihood to visit the beach on a regular basis in certain areas of Spain than in the U.K. That said, in a recent tragedy in Manchester in the UK, a child was killed when the car she was travelling smashed into a wall. In the images from the aftermath of the crash, a loose fitting sandal could clearly be seen in the foot well, investigators believing that this had become loose from the foot of the

driver who was wearing it and became lodged behind the pedals as he tried to brake for a red light. There is no doubt that the driver set out with the intention of killing his daughter that day, but tragically, that was the result of wearing inappropriate footwear.

In the UK, Rule 97 of the Highway Codes states that before setting off, you should ensure that “clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner”.

If we consider a driver who is barefoot, for example, there is nothing illegal about this in U.K. law, but controlling the clutch, and even the

brakes, can require a lot of pressure, which may prove difficult if a driver is barefoot. Feet can sweat and reduce the traction and wearing of socks or stockings is not ideal either, on account of the pressure needed. This would also result in a potential negligence case in Spain.

Other than in the Highway Code, there is no specific law about footwear in the UK, but wearing inappropriate footwear could contribute to an incident for which accountability could be deemed to be the driver´s if they have not adhered to the rule, and are prevented from using the controls in the correct

manner, the same as in Spain.

As for choosing the most appropriate shoe for driving, comfort is important and a flat shoe that will not easily slip off is best, not too wide and secure.

You can buy specific driving shores, but laced, velcro or secure slip-on plimsolls or trainers are ideal, so long as they are flat, with rubber grip on the underside which provides excellent traction and control over the pedals.

Shoes that allow the driver to feel the pedal through the shoe, whilst still being able to apply sufficient pressure without discomfort, are the best for the job.

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Driving Restrictions for Pensioners Drivers over the age of 65 may face restrictions on their driving based on medical conditions.

Depending on the type and severity of medical failures, the traffic department have issued a list of guidelines on restrictions that the over 65´s may face.

The first restriction could be based on distance, with older drivers restricted to journeys not exceeding either 20 or 50 kilometres distance.

Elderly drivers may also face permanent bans from driving on motorways, or at night.

Drivers may face restrictions in the maximum permitted speed which the vehicle they are driving may travel. The actual restrictions will be assessed by the driving examiners based on the medical evidence but could restrict vehicles to a maximum of either 70 or 100 kilometres per hour.

Driving licences will have to be renewed every 5 years for the over 65´s, rather than every 10 years for those under the age bracket. However, the 5 year renewal is based on a person of optimum health, the

examination may result in a forced renewal every 2, 3 or 4 years, which may alter after each renewal depending on how health has declined.

The over 65´s must also provide a certificate from the family doctor in the case of having been diagnosed with a chronic disease which may affect driving ability, if they have had cataract surgery, heart surgery, and if they are diabetic or taking medications such as Sintrom or other similar anticoagulant drugs.

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New Traffic Superbikes The Guardia Civil Trafico in Torrevieja recently took to the roads on their new superbikes, patrolling between San Pedro and Alicante on their brand new Yamaha FJR 1300´s.

The FJR 1300 offers 141.5 hp and a top speed of around 240 kilometres per hour, although is considered more fuel efficient under normal road speed conditions.

The vehicle is factory adapted with a single seat and panniers to carry the equipment needed on their daily patrols, and has adapted handlebars to enable the rider to sit upright, rather than in the stooped, racing position.

The bikes are equipped with sirens and lights and carry a fire extinguisher. They also have fixed holders and brackets for the PDA personal digital assistant and printers, so that nothing moves whist the bike is in motion. In addition, the officers carry documents to enable them to make reports when there is a minor incident.

There will be more of these superbikes taking to the roads across the country over the next few months so keep your eyes peeled and you just might see them patrolling in your area.

The Stats: Model: Yamaha FJR 1300 Engine: 1,298 cc Power: 141.5 hp

Top Speed: 240 kmph Customisations: Single seat, raised handlebars, lights and sirens, radio

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The Hazards of Heat High summer temperatures may be a welcome change for those looking to relax on the beach this summer, but higher temperatures pose an often hidden risk, especially to vehicles and road safety.

The most vulnerable parts of the vehicle in extreme temperatures are tyres, brakes and shock absorbers, all of which are crucial to keeping a moving vehicle under control and stopping safely.

Driving with tyres with low pressure increases the probability of a blowout by up to 60%, shortens its life by up to 15% and increases fuel consumption by up to 7%.

With the intense external heat, the engine loses up to 15% power and potentially even more as it drives the cooling and air conditioning s y s tems.

T h e brakes overh e a t , this in turn can increase consumption of brake fluid and can cause a phenomenon known as “fading”, which reduces the ability to slow the vehicle down.

In order to reduce these factors and keep your vehicle at its optimum, frequent

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checks of tyres, brakes, shock absorbers, oil, brake and coolant levels, the battery, lights and air conditioning should all be checked regularly, and especially before a long journey.

If this seems like a daunting task then you can always call into your local maintenance garage and ask them to do the checks for you. Many garages already offer a comprehensive summer service, although many drivers don´t realise that this is equally as important as a winter service, and so the heightened risks continue.

Aside from the safety aspects of the vehicle, one common maintenance call during summer is for the failure of air conditioning units. Experts say that these should be checked at least once a year and before the summer, as for most of the cooler months the units lay dormant and can fail over time without being noticed. Sometimes, the presence of an unpleasant odour is an indicator of a failure of the air conditioning.

Air conditioning that is working too hard can not only increase the mechanical strain. An average air conditioning unit will cool the vehicle´s interior to around 22 degrees Celsius, whereas cooling the air to just 20 degrees will increase fuel consumption by up to 20%.

It is also important to ensure that your vehicle is correctly loaded before a summer trip. Remember not to exceed the maximum permitted load, not only for the vehicle, but also for the tyres. Weight should be evenly distributed with heavier items nearest the ground and as near to the centre of the vehicle as possible, without impeding the passenger´s mobility, but maintaining a centre of gravity wherever possible. Once loaded, remember to adjust the tyre pressure as per the manufacturer’s recommendations, and then increase the pressure once the vehicle is unloaded.

Never carry loose items in the interior of the vehicle as these could become projectiles in the event of heavy braking or a collision and can seriously injure, or worse, the occupants of the car. Finally, if carrying a protruding load, remember not to exceed the permitted dimensions, use a V20 warning sign on the rear, and make sure that lights and number plates remain unobstructed and visible at all times.

Happy Birthday to the Penalty Point This year, the Penalty Point system used to punish bad drivers on Spain´s roads celebrates its tenth birthday.

Adopted on the 1st of July, 2006, it was heralded as a major cultural change in Spanish society, and one that was praised for encouraging road safety and saving lives.

A significant point worth noting is the fact that there has been a significant drop in the number of incidents since its implementation, although this cannot be attributed entirely to the system, the penalty point system is a significant factor in reducing road deaths from 5,000 per year to 1,700.

The system was implemented by José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, the then President of the Spanish government, which was approved unanimously by Congress.

The previous system was based on fines and licence withdrawal, but education did not play a part in making drivers aware of their mistakes. Now, through the penalty system, not only is the system less stringent,

it allows for education and a lesser sanction, along with the threat of losing the licence if the driver´s attitude and actions don´t change.

Associations representing the victims of traffic incidents also praised the implementation of the system at the time, as the voice of the victim had never been heard before. Now, a complete awareness of the actions of the driver, and what they mean for the victims, is integral.

During the ten year period, 214,150 people have still lost their licence for violating traffic law. In addition, 8,750 people have had their licence withdrawn twice, and 219 people have lost it three times or more.

In total, of the 25 million drivers currently on the roads in Spain, 7.5 million have lost some points. The main reasons are: Speeding (46%).

Not wearing a belt speed (11%).

Using a mobile device while driving (10%).

The detection of alcohol and drugs at the wheel.

Not wearing a helmet.

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Guardia Officer Inven

A Guardia Civil traffic officer, Jorge Torre Sarmiento, assisted by a marketing and design expert, Roberto Pérez Marijuán, have invented a device which they think will speed up the time in which other road users are advised of the presence of a disabled or broken down vehicle, thus

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saving lives as a result.

When a vehicle becomes disabled, perhaps due to an incident or break down, the natural reaction of the driver will often be to put hazard lights on then attempt to restart the vehicle, then call for assistance from their breakdown or insurance service, and then put on

a high visibility vest, go to the boot and place warning triangles on the road advising of the presence of the disabled vehicle.

All too often, this process can take between 8 and 10 minutes, during which time the vehicle is left in a vulnerable position and presenting a potential hazard to other road

users and the vehicle´s occupants.

In order to try to alleviate this problem of vulnerability, made worse in the event of low light such as night time or when the vehicle has no power for the hazard lights, the officer has invented a device called “Help-Flash” which can be used as a first in-

nts Life Saving Device dicator of a hazard whilst the correct procedure of laying out triangles is being carried out.

Jorge Torre Sarmiento describes himself as a frustrated engineer, and is well known in his local area for inventing a variety of devices and designs. The 47-year old officer, based in Vigo, graduated in criminology and joined the Guardia Civil, despite his desire to be a designer. His role has subsequently meant he could fulfil both functions.

He already has a number of successful patents to his name, such as a “girolina”, a device that

allows young children and the elderly sharpen pencils without any effort, a device for Formula 1 engineering teams to change tyres in a matter of minutes by removing all of the bolts at the same time, and a set of tweezers for a specific type of clothing.

However, “Help-Flash” is his first invention that will hit the mass market, and will do so with the help of Pérez Marijuán, cofounder of a marketing company, who has been on tour with the device to secure development funding.

“Help-Flash” is a small emergency light, pow-

ered by a conventional battery, which emits a flashing light visible for up to a kilometre away. It is activated by a magnetic support and can also be used as a flashlight.

The project was conceived in collaboration with the Centro Tecnológico de Automoción de Galicia (CTAG), and a group representing the victims of road traffic incidents, the Avata Hispania.

Stored in the glove box, the device can be activated in seconds and placed on the exterior of the vehicle where the magnetic contact will keep it in place, allowing

the driver to then place warning triangles and make the vehicle occupants secure.

The Kickstarter project is also looking into developing a mobile application which can alert the emergency services to your precise location at the push of a button.

Jorge is understandably passionate about the project, which is why he has taken a break from active duty to develop it. Primarily, his motivation is clear, when asked why, he simply replied, “I think it can save lives”. http://netunsolutions.com /help-flash/

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Meet Traffic Eye, The New Road Monitor As all technology advances, so does the manner that devices can be put to good use by helping others, and, in the case of some, saving lives.

Meet Traffic Eye from Tradesegur, one of 70 new devices already installed around the Spanish road network, having their big test switch on only last month, and the first wave of an order of 200 such devices which will go live this year.

Currently under test, the system will go line on 1st of June and start to report violations recorded by the cameras.

TrafficEye and its cousin MultiRadar C, offer the most advanced technologies that are currently available for monitoring traffic, which not only check and report speeding motorists, but also other safety critical traffic violations such as not wearing a seatbelt, children and animals not properly restrained, using a mobile phone or electrical device whilst driving, and checking with the established databases to see if your vehicle is correctly insured.

Prior to these devices, only Pegasus equipped helicopters could monitor the roads so closely.

Now, thanks to TrafficEye, the roads can be monitored around the clock because these devices also work at night.

Although there are a number of drivers who see these devices as nothing more than a cash machine, they only actually check for violations, as

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already mentioned, which are safety critical. They don´t report on less serious offences, only those who are putting lives, sometimes their own and sometimes others, at risk.

Of course for those drivers who are still not convinced and still believe that these devices are designed for making money, the simple solution for saving your cash is to drive responsibly and safely, but also remember that it could be your life that´s saved.

New Seven Point Plan for Road Safety Spain´s Interior Minister, Jorge Fernández Díaz, has announced a seven-point action plan for the roads of the country which are aimed at significantly reducing the number of casualties on the roads.

In order to implement the plan, the government will allocate 7.2 million euro in funding towards the life saving measures.

The announcement was main when the minister attended the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Guardia Civil Traffic School in Mérida, Badajoz.

Whilst praising the work of the men and women of the Guardia Civil Trafico, the minister pointed out how more than 9,100 officers who are dedicated to the service are a “fundamental tool for road safety policies of the Government developed through the DGT”.

So far this year, there have been 295 fatal incidents on interurban roads in which 349 people died. In just 3 incidents, there have been 25 fatalities. Given those statistics, the government unveiled the package of measure to reduce these statistics.

Specifically, the plan will increase attention on three distinct area, conventional roads, motorcycles and vans.

On conventional roads last year 913 people lost their lives, many of those were involved in head-on collisions. As for motorbikes, the death count increased by 49 last year, and so the new measures are aimed at achieving better behaviour from bikers and improving coexistence with other road users. In the third group, vans, there has also been a significant increase in the number of fatal incidents which also require measures to achieve safer behaviours.

Here is the seven point plan in more detail.

1. Rumble Strips Some 3,000 kilometres of roads will have “rumble strips” installed on both the hard shoulders and the central lane markings to avoid vehicles leaving the road and colliding with those coming in the opposite direction. These will be similar to those installed recently on the N-332 in Torrevieja, itself a known incident blackspot, and for which 5 million euro has been assigned. The completion of this element is expected to be within 5 months.

2. Limiting overtaking on certain conventional roads As overtaking is one of the most dangerous manoeuvres that can be carried out on the open road, this will be restricted in more areas.

Again, similar to what was recently implemented on the N332 in Torrevieja, the solid double white lines would be reinforced with wider and marked lines whenever possible.

This too will take around 5 months to complete and the 1 million euro budget will reinforce 1,000 kilometres of road, with an estimated reduction of 20 deaths per year. In 2015, 217 people died in head-on collisions.

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3. Treatment of dangerous intersections Junctions can be some of the most dangerous areas on the road network. Vehicles cross and interact with those already moving, which can be a significant risk to all. Last year, 20% of injury incidents occurred at intersections on conventional roads and 134 people died in side-impact collisions.

Part of this plan will involve the installation of warning signs on the approach to key junctions, specifically those where visibility might be impaired.

With another million euro set aside for this, it is also expected to save 20 lives each year.

4. Pedestrian crossing signals A number of illuminated warning signs will be installed on pedestrian crossings, advising drivers to be aware. These signs will be the standard triangular (P-20) warning signs with orange lights at each point.

A total of 100,000 euro has been set aside for 100 signs in 50 areas over the next seven months. It is hoped that this measure will save 10 lives per year, reducing from the 113 people killed in 2015.

5. Monitoring and control of excesses of speed night, border traffic and delivery vans The Interior Minister explained that the implementation of this action is based on the continued planning of campaigns on a monthly basis to increase controls at night, on routes frequented by such vehicles.

These controls would see vehicles stopped and their occupants identified whilst also testing for alcohol and drug use, and the correct documentation, including ITV and insurance.

The estimated budget for this action is 30,000 euro and should reduce the number of deaths each year in vans by 10. In 2015, 68 deaths were reported in vans.

6. Monitoring speed and safe distance between vehicles on motorways In addition to excessive speed, maintaining a safe distance between vehicles will see a focus in a 5,000 euro campaign. As well as roadside patrols, helicopters will be used for this purpose, as well as information panels warning of the importance of maintaining a safe distance. The number of people killed last year where driving too close was an attributing factor was 54, an increase of 10 from the year before.

7. Motorcycles Finally, motorcycles will be given considerably more attention with extra monitoring points on the roads and checks on ITV, insurance and other documentation, as well as speed and dangerous manoeuvres.

In recent months, 9% of motorcycles involved in injury incidents did not have an ITV. Some 15% of motorbikes were over 20 years of age.

Intelligent Road Signs A new wave of road signs in being installed across much of the main road network in Spain, all part of a multimillion euro investment scheme to make the roads safer.

On the infamous N-332 around Torrevieja we have already seen illuminated signs offering more protection at roundabouts. Arrows which flash in the direction of movement and triangular signs that flash orange to warn us of the approaching hazard are just some of the signs that drivers have been getting used to for some time.

This week, intelligent signs have been installed in one of the most problematic areas in terms of congestion, in the single-line section as the N-332 passes Torrevieja, which both monitor the flow of traffic on the roads and then communicate with each other to warn approaching drivers of queues ahead.

These sign groups have two units, one which is the detector, the other the receptor and warning sign.

When traffic flows freely the signs look like nothing more than a black square. But, when traffic is detected, the square displays an electronic version of the triangular P-31 road sign, warning of congestion, with flashing orange lights to attract attention.

These are not the only intelligent signs being installed on the network. In other areas of Spain a number of junctions have already had warning systems installed which tell drivers on the main carriageway that there is a vehicle at a junction ahead on a minor road likely to join or cross the flow of traffic.

Sensors built into the road, similar to those used to monitor traffic flow, become aware of the presence of a vehicle at the junction. They are able to identify the size and type of vehicle, if needed, and then send the information to the warning sign located on the main

carriageway, almost offering an extra set of eyes to the driver and the theoretical ability to see beyond bends and buildings ahead, thus reducing the surprise factor and, hopefully, reducing the risk.

It is known under the name of “sistema de advertencia dinámica en intersecciones”, or “dynamic junction warning system”, which uses low-cost technology to exchange information between the vehicle, infrastructure and back to the vehicle, and so commonly known as “V2V”, the aim being to warn of the proximity of vehicles at junctions.

Jaime Moreno, deputy director of Mobility at the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), explains that, “when the system detects the presence of a vehicle approaching the intersection, this situation activates the alert signal for vehicles traveling the main stem, with preference through the junction, so they can know well in advance this circumstance, adjusting their speed and taking extreme care”.

So far, there are four locations in Spain where the system has been installed, chosen because of their high incident rate. Two of them, located in the provinces of Madrid and León, are also in locations known for their concentration of a high number of incidents.

The locations are: Leon (in the N-VI, at kilometre 399); Madrid (also in the N-VI, pk 56); Navarra (N-113, pk 78) and A Coruña (N-634, pk 676). In these four locations, between 2012 and 2014, a total of 48 crashes occurred in that area, resulting in the loss of 3 lives and injuries suffered by another 47 people.

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Summer Campaign on the Road Network During the course of the summer months of July and August, the roads of Spain are expected to carry some 84 million vehicles, 3.5% more than the movements that occurred last summer.

As usual, the busiest periods, and therefore the major traffic plans, are split into a number of operations around the main weekends. The first operation took place during the first weekend of July when 4,050,000 long haul journeys took place, with the main flow of traffic heading away from inland and city areas to the coast and mountainous regions.

Typically, domestic tourists take a two week break from their usual working lives, and so the busiest rimes are ordinarily based around this, starting with the first influx from inland to the coast and mountains, then they return two weeks later as the next batch arrive, and so on, with August typically the busiest month of all. Across the two months, forecasts are for 41 million trips in July and 43 million by August.

In order to keep traffic flowing, the DGT will deploy around 10,000 officers and agents on the ground, including the Guardia Civil Trafico and DGT staff, specialised technicians, conservationists and the emergency coordination teams.

In order to reduce incidents on the roads, 300 sections which have been identified as the most dangerous will be displaying signs warning drivers, and for them to be aware and alert of the factors of the road and the speed of their vehicles. These sections will also be under more surveillance by enforcement officers during the entire campaign.

The DGT has spent a million euro on new mobile cameras which can be carried by traffic police on their

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motorcycles. These cameras can be placed on a tripod by the side of the road and can be used to create speed check zones at some of the places where conventional radar cars my have posed problems. These new cameras also mean that speed detection zones can be set up at multiple locations along the same route, whereas conventionally the normal practice was for one radar car to cover an entire section of road.

Surveillance by the airborne monitoring Pegasus equipped helicopters will increase. In the first five months of the year 106 people have lost their lives on motorways or highways compared to 70 at the same time last year. Therefore, Pegasus will pay close attention to problems on this type of road, including speeding, maintaining a safe distance, seatbelt use and using a mobile phone.

There will also be three intensified operations during the summer period. The first one aims to monitor the condition of vehicles on our roads. The risk of dying or suffering an injury with hospitalization increases with the age of the vehicle, which is why an increased maintenance schedule is crucial. This campaign will take place from the 11th to the 17th of July.

Coinciding with the fiestas surrounding the 15th of August, and the increase in festivals throughout the country, an intensified campaign monitoring for alcohol and drug use will take place. These checks will be at any time of day and on any roads.

During the week commencing the 22nd of August there will be an increase in checks on speeding vehicles. This will be done using all available equipment and resources to try to clampdown on those who break the law by speeding.

In order to ease congestion, most major road works will be suspended and there will be restrictions on the movement of certain types of goods. Extra lanes will be created in the busiest areas and the Guardia Civil traffic police will be out in force to ensure the safe flow of vehicles.

The advice, as always, is to try to avoid the busiest times, allow extra time for your journey, stay calm and adhere to the laws of the road at all times.

Summer Traffic and Transit In addition to domestic tourists traveling to coastal areas, keep in mind that Spain is a country of transit for millions of citizens from other European countries who return to their home countries in places such as Africa.

Many of them choose Spain as a route to their destination, which is why the government also implemented a special campaign “Paso del Estrecho” from June. More than 600,000 car journeys by road will cross the peninsula.

Add to that the number of international tourists who choose Spain as their holiday destination, some of whom drive to the country, others who hire a vehicle when they arrive.

The combination of the three factors of domestic tourists, those passing through the country, and those who may not be used to driving on these roads, especially when it is one of the busiest times of year, all lead to potential problems.

Patience and planning are key, always driving within the rules and laws and allowing extra time for your journey wherever you go are all vital.

The full timetable of summer operations: 01 July to 03 July 1ª Operación verano 11 July to 17 July Intensified checks on vehicle standards 29 July to 01 August Operación 1º de agosto 12 August to 15 August Operación 15 de agosto 15 August to 21 August Intensified alcohol and drug use checks.

22 August to 28 August Intensified speed checks.

26 August to 28 August Operación Retorno del verano Plus special operations running on every weekend in between.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SUMMER TRAFFIC Summer traffic has different characteristics to that at other times of year and that must be taken into account: Increased number of long haul journeys on both business days and especially on weekends.

Less conflict in the access to large urban areas during peak hours of business days in the entrance and exit to the workplace.

Increased vehicle traffic on secondary roads.

Intense traffic on roads linking coastal towns and tourist areas of coastline with beaches every day of the week.

Increased presence of cyclists and pedestrians on the road.

Increased movement throughout the road network of foreign registered vehicles.

Increase in the number of sports that use the road for which additional supplementary measures will be in place.

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The New Rules of the Road

As new laws come into force on the roads of Spain, they are set to radicalise mobility, paying closer attention to how transport arrangements are evolving into the future.

From the days of horse and cart, flagmen walking in front of the first automobiles and the creation of mass transit systems, the roads have had to adapt over times, as have the many people who use them.

Now, as we head into a new age of greener, cleaner transport, and focus more on saving the lives and limbs of all road users, with the ultimate goal being zero fatalities, the next stage of that evolution is upon us.

In the 2015 changes to the law, the introduction details how the mobility of the population is constantly evolving, so the rules which regulate traffic also have to keep up with

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new needs and demands.

In particular, in recent years, one of the biggest transformations the country has gone through in the cities and towns in which we live, regarding urban mobility, has been a major shift towards pedestrians and cyclists which has shaped a new concept of a more sustainable and convenient city.

The change of emphasis from the motor vehicle towards the rise of other modes of transport is a major cultural shift which also must be translated into rules, with the object of equipping road users with the necessary legal safety. The Reglamento General de CirculaciĂłn is the equivalent to the UK Highway Code in Spain and is an example of legal transformation, as traditionally it has been a standard whose objective was to serve the growing increase in mobility of

motor vehicles, in such a way that this became the largest part of the whole and the rest of the road users had to adapt themselves to the vehicle regulations. In this sense, the regulation of the automobile and the highway constituted the central axis of all the rules.

In urban areas, the motor vehicle is beginning to stop playing the leading role, giving way to a shared use of the road in which pedestrians and cyclists are starting to gain special importance, as are electric vehicles in all their variants. This can be seen as the mobility and road safety policies being developed by local government have been for some time geared towards two main objectives: on the one hand, the calming of urban traffic, and on the other, the promotion of the bicycle as the preferred mode of transport, being increasingly integrated into the traffic flow. For both reasons, local administrations are demanding changes to the standard rules of urban traffic, which will allow them to adequately develop the new city models.

The increasing growth of different modes of transport in urban areas can also be accredited to the proliferation of personal mobility vehicles in recent

years and, due to demand from city councils, basic regulation of these will be introduced to complement that which has already been established by municipal authorities everywhere.

The calming of urban traffic, the promotion of the use of bicycles and the reduction of accidents in town centres are three very important allied objectives which set the introduction of a general speed limit of 30 kph in many of our city streets.

With reference to accidents, in urban road safety the principle by which the death of pedestrians is governed by the speed of motor vehicles is fundamental: at 80 kph 95% of pedestrians who are run over are killed, at 50 kph 50%, and at 30 kph 5%. By precisely following this line the general speed limit was modified on specified roads to reinforce 30 zones.

After reducing the speed limit in these zones, the moderation or calming of speed allows a new street model to be shaped, converting it into an area of shared coexistence between pedestrian, bicycle and motor vehicle. In this context, the denominated “one way systems� which are now being specifically regulated, are significant.

Some elements relating

In preparation of the launch of our next eBook in December, we have decided to serialise the last one in the pages of this publication. In each edition we will work our way through the entire eBook so that you can collect your own full copy to use in the future. to bicycles have already been laid down, which are without doubt fundamental to the present partial modification. Bicycle as urban mode of transport, in accordance with the Motion approved by the Plenum of the Senate on the 27th April 2011, urging the Government to adopt regulatory measures promoting the use of bicycles in towns and cities and improving the safety of persons using bicycles as a mode of transport. A new paragraph was incorporated, number VI, which is fundamentally dedicated to bicycle traffic, although other precepts remain in the article in which it is not the only type of vehicle. The bicycle is gaining prominence in urban streets, becoming another road vehicle, but with improved safety aspects, and allowing the municipal authorities to regulate, while serving the characteristics of their urban infrastructure, the coexistence with pedestrians in places that do not have specific cycle lanes.

What stands out is the introduction of the obligatory wearing of helmets for cyclists under sixteen years of age on every type of street without exception, as a coherent element of protection with the objective of making it possible for bicycles to circulate on the urban

roadways in a context of safety.

The speed limits are not only reduced in urban areas, but also inter-city and, specifically, on the “conventional roads� this type of road being where three quarters of accidents with victims occur.

Additionally, this reduction is in conjunction with a new configuration of this type of road, from the point of view of road safety. This breaks the traditional differentiation which exists based on a usable hard shoulder of 1.5 metres width and opens up the width of the road lane and the demarcation of the central reservation, ensuring the driver's safety.

In addition, bicycles with trailers (such as rickshaws) are being considered for the transport of persons in urban areas.

Several articles referring to motorcycles and scooters are also the object of modifications. With respect to the wearing of helmets, medical exemption from wearing a helmet has been abolished.

In addition, legal recognition has been given to denominated priority waiting zones, both in their demarcation and their access to and use by the drivers of these vehicles.

With reference to safety belts and officially approved containment sys-

tems, it is most important to be able to have an advanced standard with the objective that no occupant of a motor vehicle is left without protection in any situation, and this is being set in stone with two main changes: first, the complete abolishment of exemptions from wearing a seatbelt, which are not justified from a road safety point of view; and second, the prohibition of driving with minors 135cm or less in height in the front seat, except where the vehicle does not have rear seats, or where these are already occupied by minors of 135cm or less, to the end of reducing the seriousness of possible injuries suffered in case of accident.

One result of the recent modification of the Criminal Prosecution Law is the new edition of the articles relating to drugs, especially the part referring to methods of detection, which establishes saliva testing as the normal procedure, as well as providing preventive measures.

The rules also benefit from very concrete modifications of the General Vehicle Regulations. On the one hand, the obligation to continue to pass technical inspections in cases of damaged, lost or withdrawn driving permits or licences has been eliminated. This removes an

unnecessary burden from citizens which has been the source of repeated complaints.

On the other hand, regulation of the markings on priority vehicles has been incorporated. Finally, and with reference to the modification of the General Vehicle Regulations, the obligation to have type B technical inspection cards in electronic form has been introduced, enabling the administrative process for vehicle registration to be carried out electronically, including also pre-registered vehicles, increasing the legal security of the process.

The law itself it very detailed and covers all elements across the spectrum of road use, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, through cars, vans, trucks and buses, and everything in between.

Although we will try to avoid some of the legal language in these explanations, it will be essential at times, in order to afford as much detail as we can.

However, to detail every single clause and change would perhaps result in many of the key points being missed, so we will explain the most pertinent points as we go through this document, trying as best to keep the rules together in categories wherever we can.

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In Brief

Foreign residents are now obliged to register vehicles in Spain. Until now, foreign residents must only meet tax obligations set out in the Excise Act, but it was not mandatory to register the vehicle in Spain, which in practice made it difficult for law enforcement.

Children are prohibited from riding in the front seats of cars. Until now, those under 12 years of age were allowed to sit in the front seat, if they do so with the proper child restraint system. Now, the translation of the law dictates that children less than 1.35 metres tall are not allowed to travel in the front, although there are certain restrictive exceptions, such as vehicles without rear seats. The fine for not complying is 200 euro, and this rule also applies to taxis, but the responsibility is given to the parent or guardian, not the taxi driver.

The fine for driving whilst under the influence of alcohol has doubled, and will be 1,000 euro, in the case of driver exceeding 0.5 milligrams per litre of exhaled

air and 0.3 milligrams for novice drivers and professionals, such as taxi drivers. The penalty is also doubled should a driver have been found guilty in the year prior to this conviction.

In order to enforce the government´s aim of “zero tolerance� of drug use, a new law to tackle drug use whilst driving, replacing the current legislation that was covered by administrative sanctions, with saliva tests now acceptable, and fines of 1,000 euro.

Pedestrians are also now subject to drug and alcohol testing, in the event of any offence having been committed, replacing the current legislation that only requires a test in the event of a pedestrian being involved in an accident.

Child cyclists, under 16 years of age, are obliged to wear a crash helmet when riding in towns. Those responsible for the child will face a 200 euro fine if caught out.

The speed on motorways remains at 120 kilometres per hour maximum, although the law does now

allow for the increase of permitted speeds, and fines, should certain areas of highway be seen as acceptable to be increased to 130 kilometres per hour.

The speed on some roads may well decrease though, as a new section has been included to fine drivers on some roads who are speeding at the lower end of the spectrum.

The restrictions on minimum speed limits for cyclists on some roads will be lifted, as so far it has been impossible for cycles to travel at the required minimum 50% of the maximum.

The new law expressly prohibits the use of radar speed detectors and imposes a penalty of 200 euro, plus the loss of 3 points, as well as a the continual 6,000 euro fine and the decrease of six points in the case of using inhibitors. However, it is legal to use devices which provide information on the location of safety cameras, which are freely published by the DGT on their website, but drivers must avoid using them whilst driving to avoid distractions.

A traffic law enforcement officer may now issue a fine without the need to stop the vehicle. Until now, certain surveillance activities have proved difficult when it came to the required identity of drivers, but this element will be removed by the filing process of the vehicle.

Drivers will become responsible in the event of hitting or killing a large an-

imal on the roads. Until now, the driver was only responsible if it were proven that a law had been broken which led to an incident, now the responsibility is on the driver, unless negligence can be proven in the event of a lack of speedy repairs to fencing, for example.

Should a driver be issued with a sanction, the length of time in which a 50% discount will be applied has been increased from 15 to 20 calendar days, allowing a slightly longer period in which to submit claims.

A new law also now allows authorities to restrict access or traffic routes to vehicles for environmental reasons. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment will be allowed to make the necessary moves, which can also include such problems as reducing pollution.

Tow-trucks involved in emergency roadside assistance will now be treated as emergency vehicles, and be allowed priority to move through traffic. They may also now stand or park on city streets during the time necessary to remove vehicles, provided they do not create a new hazard or obstacle to traffic.

The restrictions on cancer patients have also been eased in the legislation, as medical and pharmacological advances mean that the possibility is increased in the cases where cancer patients can drive themselves as they lead their normal lives.

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Obligations of the Driver

The driver of a vehicle is obliged to maintain their own freedom of movement, the necessary field of vision and constant attention to driving which guarantee their own safety, that of the other occupants of the vehicle, and of all other road users. To this effect, they and the rest of the passengers must take special care to maintain a suitable position, and suitable placing of objects or animals being transported so that none of these interfere with the driver.

This rule is an all encompassing regulation which can be used to ensure that a wide range of risky behaviours are avoided.

The following are considered incompatible with constant attention to driving, and as such are prohibited: a) The use by the driver, with the vehicle in motion, of screens, television monitors, reproducers of images or any similar kind of device which reduces

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the attention to driving.

Exceptions are made for the use of monitors in the driver's line of vision and whose use is necessary for viewing the ascent and descent of passengers, or rear-view cameras, as well as for viewing navigation devices, although you must not touch those devices whilst driving. b) Driving whilst using helmets or earphones connected to receivers or reproducers of sound, including the use of only one, except during official driving lessons and driving tests on the open roads to obtain a driving permit, where the General Rules for Drivers have been established. This rule covers the use of such devices as Bluetooth earpieces, which are prohibited under normal operation.

It is prohibited to drive while using mobile phone devices and any other mode or system of communication, except under the following conditions:

a) Hands-free, using an approved device for the purpose. It should be noted that hands-free devices are specifically designed for that purpose.

Simply holding a device such as a telephone which is on loudspeaker mode, not placed at your ear, does not constitute hands-free operation. b) Without the use of helmets, earphones or similar instruments. This condition will not apply to the drivers of mopeds and scooters, where they are using an integrated device in the safety helmet, properly officially approved, with the purpose of communication and direction or navigation.

Agents of the authorities are exempt from this prohibition while carrying out the duties with which they are charged.

It is prohibited to carry or install radar or speed detector blocking devices or any other instruments

with the objective of eluding or interfering with the proper function of traffic control, or making or emitting signals with that purpose. Equally it is prohibited to use mechanisms to detect radar or speed cameras. Devices and mobile phone applications that warn of the location of fixed cameras and radars are permitted.

Notification mechanisms which advise of the status of traffic control systems are excluded from this prohibition.

The driver of a vehicle must ensure that the registration plates are free from obstacles which impede or obstruct their reading and identification.

The most common obstructions that obscure number plates are badly fitted tow bars, bicycle carriers and objects hanging from the back of vehicles, although anything which obscures the view is prohibited.

Alcohol, Drugs and Testing The rules are now entitled “Persons obliged to submit to alcohol detection testing”, and clarify lots of matters relating to the responsibilities of those required to submit to testing.

All vehicle drivers are obliged to submit to tests established for the detection of alcohol. Equally all other road users finding themselves implicated in a traffic accident or having committed an infraction under traffic, movement of vehicles and road safety rules. To be clear, the rule now clearly covers drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians and passengers, by the very virtue of the fact it covers “all other road users”.

Agents of the authorities in charge of traffic control may carry out these tests: a) On any road user or vehicle driver implicated as possibly liable in a traffic related incident. b) On anyone driving any vehicle with obvious symptoms, utterances or deeds which allow the reasonable presumption that they are under the influence of alcohol. c) On those drivers or other road users who are reported for committing any of the offences contained in the rules of traffic, movement of vehicles and road safety. d) On those who, while driving a vehicle, are required to by the aforementioned agents during prevention checkpoint programmes for alcohol detection.

Alcohol detection testing by means of exhaled breath.

1. Agents of the authorities in charge of traffic control

will carry out alcohol detection tests on those drivers and other road users obliged by them, consisting of a test of exhaled breath by means of officially authorised breathalysers, which determine by a quantitative method the degree of alcoholic impregnation.

At the request of the applicant, the test may be repeated by a different method which will preferably consist of a blood analysis, except when this may not be carried out due to exceptional valid reasons.

2. Where the obliged persons are suffering from wounds, illnesses or conditions whose seriousness impedes carrying out the tests, or where another exceptional valid reason impedes the carrying out thereof, a medical examination may be arranged for the individual or clinical analyses may be performed which the doctors deem to be most suitable for the purpose of the present law.”

As for the rules regarding drugs, the first point makes it very clear indeed that drugs and driving do not mix. The driver of any vehi-

cle may not drive on the roads, subject to the legislation on traffic, movement of vehicles and road safety with drugs present in their system.

Those substances which are used under medical prescription and to a therapeutic end are excluded, always where the driver is found to be in a condition to use the vehicle which conforms to the duty of diligence, care and lack of distraction. Prescription drugs can also affect driving and care should also be taken around these, checking the warnings on the packages or clarifying the situation with your doctor or pharmacist, making them fully aware that you intend to drive if appropriate.

Every person who is found to be in a situation similar to those specified in the rules relating to the investigation of the presence of alcohol is also obliged to submit to drug testing. In those cases where the subject tests positive for drugs, the agent may immediately proceed to immobilize the vehicle, in accordance with the established rules.

The test for the detection of

drugs will consist of a saliva test by means of a device authorised for the purpose, and a later toxicology analysis of a saliva sample of a sufficient quantity.

Where the obliged persons are suffering from wounds, illnesses or conditions which seriously impede the carrying out of the tests, or where another exceptional valid reason impedes the carrying out thereof, a medical examination may be arranged for the individual or clinical analyses may be performed which the doctors deem to be most suitable, the preferred method being blood analysis.

The agent charged with carrying out the tests will inform the subject that for control purposes, the drug tests may be repeated, which will preferably consist of analysis of blood, in the nearest facility having adequate means of carrying out tests of this type.

If the agent in charge of carrying out the tests considers that the driver is under the influence of drugs, the suitable procedure under the Criminal Prosecution Law will be carried out.

The medical staff and the approved laboratories will be obliged, in all cases, to provide the results of the tests to the Chief of Traffic Police in the province where they have been carried out or, where appropriate, to the corresponding authority of the Autonomous Communities or municipalities.

Infractions regarding driving with the presence of drugs in the system will be considered very serious.

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