SpanishVida

Summer transforms Spain’s roads. Holidaymakers, local residents, cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and electric scooter users all share the same space, making patience and awareness more important than ever. Many drivers on the road are unfamiliar with the area. They may be using a hire car, following satellite navigation or searching for their accommodation, which can lead to hesitation at junctions or unexpected manoeuvres. A little extra patience and space can help everyone travel more safely.

Summer brings millions of visitors to Spain, and with them comes a noticeable change in road conditions. Coastal resorts and popular tourist destinations become much busier, with a mix of local traffic, hire cars, cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and electric scooters all sharing the roads. Many visitors are unfamiliar with the area and may rely on satellite navigation or be driving a hire car for the first time.

These injuries are most common among people who remain relatively inactive throughout the year but then pack a large amount of physical activity into just a few days during their holidays. Summer is synonymous with beaches, the sea and outdoor activities. Every year, thousands of people take advantage of their holidays to try or enjoy water sports such as paddle boarding, kayaking, surfing, wing foiling and jet skiing—a trend that has grown significantly in recent years.

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Wildfires are an unfortunate reality in parts of Spain during the summer, particularly in rural and mountainous areas. While most drivers will never encounter one, knowing how to respond can help keep you and your passengers safe. Smoke is often the first and greatest danger, reducing visibility and making it harder to judge road conditions. If you drive into smoke, slow down, increase the distance from the vehicle ahead and use dipped headlights.

We use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. We do this to improve browsing experience and to show (non-) personalized ads. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.

We use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. We do this to improve browsing experience and to show (non-) personalized ads. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.

A parked car can become dangerously hot during the Spanish summer, with interior temperatures rising far above the outside air temperature in a short space of time. As well as being uncomfortable, excessive heat can affect both your safety and your vehicle. Before setting off, open the doors or windows for a minute or two to let the trapped hot air escape. Once the cabin has cooled slightly, use the air conditioning to reach a comfortable temperature.

Taking your pet on holiday can make the trip even more enjoyable, but it also comes with extra responsibilities. Just like any other passenger, animals should travel safely and comfortably throughout the journey. Spanish traffic rules require pets to be transported in a way that does not distract the driver. Small animals should travel in a secure carrier, while larger dogs are best restrained with a suitable harness or carried behind an approved load guard.

Packing the car is part of the excitement of a summer holiday, but how you load your vehicle can have a significant impact on safety. An overloaded or poorly packed car is harder to control, takes longer to stop and can turn loose items into dangerous projectiles during emergency braking. Every vehicle has a maximum authorised weight, which includes passengers, luggage and accessories.