Live News From Spain As It Happens

said:
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 9:21 AM

There should be better sign posts on roads as to speed limit do not see need to increase . Those of us who drive for a living already have a reduced alcohol rate

Brian J Deller said:
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 9:27 AM

The changing of the laws by Trafico/Spanish Govt. is based on the results of statistical studies by them so any changes are warranted as being needed to save lives, injuries and loss of properties. Trafico has found that the most serious reason for accidents is speeding and 80% of the accidents involve only one vehicle. This shows that much has to be also done to educate drivers how to drive properly at any speed and read road conditions and that is why the "normal" roads, those with a limit of 100 kph, are to be reduced to 90 kph as this is where the most accidents occur. Let us hope it works although the competent sensible drivers are to suffer as well. It is sad for these drivers who have taken the trouble to learn correctly and especially taken advanced driving courses but it is like the alcoholics who, despite the strict rules, continue to commit premeditated crimes where they drive drunk killing people. The general public must have the courage to stop these fools as I have in the past by taking their car keys away as I have seen them battle to get in their cars they are so drunk. It can be done without any violence. Now we will have zero tolerance with driving after even one drink. It will not affect me as I never do it having in the past had the task of telling relatives (over a 2-year period, many relatives and deaths) of their recent losses all driving drunk causes.

Edmund Sykes said:
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 9:53 AM

The N340 between Torremolinos and Estepona, the coastal road of Málaga province, is reputed to be the most dangerous section of road in Spain, despite speed limit reductions in many places. Where I live, between Granada and Almería provinces, substantial parts of this great road, which runs from Barcelona to Cádiz, fell into the sea or were entirely blocked by landslides two years ago. There are frequent traffic jams while Police remove crashed vehicles. It would make sense to have a lower speed limit.

On the other hand, I haven't been too bothered by the motorways until, a couple of weekends ago, I was driving South from Granada towards Motril. Almost every other car, on their way to the beach, decided that this was a race track. They drive so close together that a single miscalculation would involve a multiple pile up and they all slow down when they come to a corner, even if they are driving a high-powered sports car. So they overtake you on the straight and then you pass them on the corners. I do not see that it makes sense to increase the motorway speed limit.

What would be a good idea, IMHO, is to have some form of advanced driving test which leads to an insurance reduction. As a retired HGV 1 (C+E) driver I am rarely frightened by other motorists but on that occasion I left the motorway and took the old N road.

Gordon Talamo said:
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 11:38 AM

Reduced speed on N340 is needed. Why not 70 km/h for cars.
Force heavy long distance trucks to use pay road.

roger goss said:
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 12:16 PM

totally agree ZERO tolerance on drink driving, there are more drivers here who seem to be drunk behind the wheel than any other place Iv been to, or is it their driving is appalling

midasgold said:
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 3:26 PM

Is there any education about keeping a safe space
between moving vehicles here in Spain ? It looks to me that
this is a total mystery to the average driver.Must
be the latin blood.

caz barrett said:
Monday, August 13, 2012 @ 4:34 PM

Totally agree on zero tolerance.

Steve Fox said:
Tuesday, August 14, 2012 @ 12:52 AM

Not much sense in changing speed limits anywhere because in southern Spain no one seems to obey the existing limits anyway !
The costs involved in replacing the excessive numbers of speed limit signs would be better directed to better driving tuition and enforcing the current limits.

Oh and can anyone explain why 50% + of vehicles in Spain always have at least one non functioning brake lamp ?, what other simple checks are drivers failing to make, brake fluid, oil, screenwash etc.etc.