Roundabout rules in Spain
The greatest confusion in Spain comes at navigating roundabouts with 2 lanes or more. Outside the major cities in Spain, there seems to be no clear understanding or agreement on how to navigate a traffic circle.
In most countries around the world, and where you drive on the right-hand side of the road, if you enter a roundabout from the far right lane, you must, by law, take the first exit to the right out of the roundabout.
In Spain, this is not the case. You will often see people entering a roundabout in the right lane and then continuing in the same outside lane past various exits. It often creates dangerous situations for people who are trying to exit the traffic circle, much to the consternation and confusion of foreign drivers. This driving practice essentially makes the internal lane of a roundabout in Spain redundant.
Please drive cautiously and defensively in roundabouts, and always expect the person in the exterior lane to continue past various exits, often blocking the way for other motorists.
Many Spanish Drivers Tend To Cut Corners
Increasing in the south of Spain and decreasing in the north is the habit of cutting corners, and especially blind corners, on roads with lots of curves. It’s not uncommon that you will find a car occupying a good portion of your side of the road when driving on curved secondary roads. This practice puts at risk your safety on the roads.
Proceed cautiously around corners, especially on more rural and residential roads in Spain. Practice defensive driving by hugging the internal corners. On blind corners, keep well to the right. Assume that someone may cross the white line and invade your lane. It’s also not a bad idea to hoot ahead of blind corners.
Stay alert and scan the road ahead to anticipate potential risks, such as erratic drivers, pedestrians, and road obstacles. This is especially important in residential and urban areas.
Note: There are just a small percentage of Spanish drivers who draw from eveybody’s patience. They do not represent Spanish driving, or the Spanish culture, and most Spanish are just as frustrated with them as you are.
Pedestrian crossings in Spain
Be very attentive at pedestrian crossings. The norm in Spain is that pedestrians have 100% right of way, so you will often see pedestrians marching into the road with full belief that cars will stop for them. This can take some foreigners by surprise, so be aware.
In other countries of Europe, for example Italy, vehicles rarely stop at pedestrian crossings. In Spain, however, you need to practice extreme caution. The Spanish expect the driver to know where the crossing is, and that you will stop.
Drivers jumping into the fast lane in front of you
You’ll be driving along at the speed limit and there will be a 2 cars up ahead in the slow lane, you shift into the left lane to pass.
As you approach to pass, the last car in the slow lane will ‘jump’ in front of you. You will wonder why this person did not pass the other car a while before, or why that person did not wait 2 seconds to let you pass, seeing as though there are no other vehicles nearby.
That person will then proceed to overtake the other vehicle at perhaps 1km/hour faster. When they pass the other vehicle, that person will take an additional 1 minute to pull back into the slow lane, bringing the entire overtaking manoeuvre to a total of 3 to 5 minutes, or more.
You will think this is an isolated incident, only to have it occur again and again.
I got nothing for you. I can’t explain the thinking or reasoning behind this.
Practice zen-like patience, and consider yourself an observer, not a participant.
These people do not represent Spanish driving customs and etiquette, and the Spanish are just as frustrated with them, as you are.
Defensive Driving in Spain: Key tips for a safe experience
Practice defensive driving to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.
Anticipate road behaviour in residential areas. Scan the road ahead for any sudden changes in traffic flow, pedestrians, or vehicles. In Southern and South Eastern Spain, it’s not uncommon for drivers to cut corners, especially on narrow roads. Keep well to the right side of the road on curves and blind corners will help you avoid potential hazards.
Spanish drivers generally follow speed limits, especially on highways and in urban areas, as speed cameras tend to be very common. Maintain the speed limit and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front to allow time to react to sudden stops or slowdowns. Remember that many rural roads, can be narrow and winding, so reduce speed to help with visibility and safety.
Spain is popular with motorcyclists and cyclists, especially in warmer months. Give cyclists and motorcyclists plenty of space and be cautious when changing lanes or turning.
Courteous driving is very much appreciated in Spain. Remain calm and patient on the road, and this will help to reduce stress and avoid accidents. Spanish drivers can sometimes be direct in their driving habits. Respond with patience rather than aggression. This will help to maintain a safer and more pleasant driving environment. Think ZEN.
