ROADWATCH Issue 07
www.n332.es 2,00€
RESPECT and RESPONSIBILITY Plus: Male Drivers - Double the Risk, Obtaining a Duplicate Licence, Night Blindness, Myths Exposed, Light Cleaning and MUCH MORE...
Welcome to N332 RoadWatch
Contents
Welcome to the latest edition of N332 RoadWatch eMagazine. As we move into June, we move into the start of summer. Children will soon be finishing school until September, which does lead to a reduction in morning and afternoon traffic, but also leads to an increased risk as children become free to explore, play and learn on their own, often finding themselves too close to the roads. Vulnerable road users are the main topic for this issue, primarily looking at cyclists. We have had a number of tragedies recently, with cyclists killed on the roads. In one case, a drunk driver was responsible for killing three people, and seriously injuring others. In fact, two of those inured remain under medical care, only recently managing to leave intensive care, weeks after the incident. We look at cyclists in some detail this issue, however, we must not only look at protecting them, but also at them protecting themselves, exercising respect for the laws that they not only command, but deserve. There is lots more inside this issue which we hope you will find lots of interest, check out the contents list on the right, and remember to keep checking the website, n332.es, for more.
4 Male drivers - Double the risk at the wheel than women 5 A Taxi Fit for a King 6 Crime Figures Down 6 Odd Road News 8 Debunking the Myths - Drunk Passengers 9 Dogs Locked in Cars - The Truth 10 Stricter ITV Controls from 2018 12 How the Driving Test has Evolved over Time 14 If you feel unsafe driving at night, you might be suffering from night blindness 16 Obtaining a Duplicate Driving Licence and Official Guide 18 Road Traffic May be Affected Following Alicante-Elche Airport Crash Simulation 20 Light Cleaning 22 Sharing the Road, Respect and Responsibility 26 Getting Fined Without Moving 28 Choosing a Crash Helmet 30 Pedestrian Lights - 2017 Style 32 The Gallery 34 Half of Spaniards would Ban Smoking in Cars 36 Citroën C4 is May´s Top Seller
Issue 7
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.
Male drivers Double the risk behind the wheel than women A combined report between the Fundación Eduardo Barreiros y la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) has concluded that men, behind the wheel, are double the risk than women. The report presented an investigation on the differences in accidents and incidents involving men and women in Spain, and was based on comparable ratios of the proportionality of the census of drivers, and based on the total population (using DGT and INE data). Blanca Arenas, coordinator and co-author of the study, explained that for the preparation of the report, 200,000 claims produced over ten years have been analysed, revealing very significant differences in driving between men and women. “Women respect the norm more, do not assume as many risky behaviours as men, and that translates into fewer accidents and fewer victims,” says Arenas. They, therefore, the mortality rate per million drivers is more than twice as high in men as in women. In addition, the injury caused by an accident involving one or two male drivers is also double. Men are also attributed to 44.5% more serious injuries. The most frequent types of accidents in males are the knocking down, rollovers and frontal collisions, caused by hasty acceleration and lack of patience, enthused by speed. In women, distraction and not allowing a safety distance are the more common. However, despite men taking more risks, they also perceive dangerous situations better. In general, they are in breach of speed limits and often permitted alcohol and drug rates. They are the ones who incur the most in voluntary imprudence. In the case of consumption of alcohol and / or narcotics, they even increase the risk fivefold over that posed by women. During the presentation of the report, Mariluz Barreiros, president of the Fundación Eduardo Barreiros, stressed that “our country has experienced a remarkable advance in road safety in recent years, but it is essential to continue to understand why accidents occur and how they can be prevented”. Ana Pastor, president of the Congress of the Deputies affirmed that “it is important to put in value this study to disassemble many topics that are in our country”.
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A Taxi Fit for a King If you happen to be visiting Seville anytime soon and find yourself in need of a taxi, you might just get lucky by traveling in a 130,000 euro Maserati Jesús Lobo proudly drives his super-powerful car, complete with the green light on the roof and distinctive colourings, and despite not earning the kind of money one would expect of driver who would normally own this sort of car, he is at least, “much happier,” he says. The 33-year old son of a cleaner and a nursing assistant, born in a humble house in the La Macarena area of Seville, was taught his lessons in life by his mother, “She taught me that work is hard and that it is necessary to be constant”. Work hard is exactly what Jesús did, until he was able to settle down into his new job within the driver's seat of a 275-horsepower Maserati Ghibli with carbon-fibre interiors and fine alcantara skin on the roof, burgundy leather seats - "wine colour" - designed by Ermenegildo Zegna, an imposing navigator display, rear cameras, two-way lights, twenty-inch wheels, semiautomatic cam gear... and all the symbols that distinguish it as a taxi from the Andalusian capital: the yellow strip and the city shield where it reads the famous motto. "Very noble, very loyal, very heroic, undefeated and Marian city of Seville". This is the first Maserati to become a Spanish taxi, although it is one of the four in Europe.
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NEWS CATCH UP April Crime Figures Show Slight Decrease
In April, 231 drivers were arrested across the Valencia region alone and brought to justice through the courts for crimes against road safety, including driving without a licence or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and speeding, representing a decrease of 0.43% compared to the figures recorded in April 2016. Serious road traffic infractions are treated under the penal code, with offenders facing prison. Of those who faced criminal proceedings, 53 were for driving without a permit or licence, 175 for doing so under the influence of alcohol or drugs and 3 for speeding. In the province of Valencia, officers detected 26 drivers for lack of permit or licence, 92 for driving under the influence of alcohol and 2 for speeding, including two drivers traveling at 228 kilometres an hour in a section of road where the maximum permitted speed is 120. In Castellon, 6 drivers went to court for driving without a licence or permit, and 17 for driving under the influence of alcohol. In Alicante, 21 drivers were brought before the judge for lack of permit or licence, 66 for driving under the influence of alcohol and one for speeding, who was traveling at 189 kilometres per hour in a section limited to a maximum of 90.
Mum Arrested for Locking Kids in Car A 39-year-old mother from Utah in America was arrested after she allegedly left her children locked in her car as she went shopping in her local Wal-Mart store. However, the concerns raised were not because of the children being locked inside during searing heat, but rather because she had locked them in the boot of her car. Riverdale police reported that a witnesses heard the children, aged 2 and 5, making noises and saw the car shaking. They managed to guide the older child to open the emergency latch, whilst calling the emergency services. Tori Lee Castillo was remanded in custody on suspicion of child abuse after being arrested when she returned to the car. Police Lt. Casey Warren says the state child welfare was contacted and the children were turned over to a responsible party.
A Sticky End
A driver from Lincoln in the US state of Nebraska could be facing a hefty $10,000 bill, after driving his car into newly poured concrete and becoming stuck. Part of the road had been closed off for the repairs, with cones and diversions in place. However, the 19year old driver decided to take his chances and drive through a gap in the cones, straight into the unset concrete patch. The City Engineering Department has said that the driver is responsible for the repairs, estimating that it could cost more than $10,000 to pay for removing the car, scraping out the ruined slurry, re-pouring more and finishing it.
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Debunking the Myths “Passengers will be required to pass a breath test”? A recent story has been doing the rounds in the internet over changes to the law which will come into force in July, whereas a second person in a vehicle must be able to pass an alcohol test, not only the driver. The article, translated from Spanish, states, “A new measure proposed by the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) will also force drivers and accompanying drivers to blow in the BAC test. “According to the DGT it is good that even if the driver has not drunk there is another person free of alcohol inside the vehicle in case the driver could feel indisposed during the trip. For drivers traveling alone, this will not be taken into account, but those who are accompanied must pass the alcohol test so that at least one of the companions can count as an alternative driver. ‘We believe it is the safest way to drive, nobody knows if the driver can pass something during the trip and it is good that there is always a copilot available,’ explains Alberto Bermúdez, communication director of the DGT. “The new measure will be launched starting next July 1 in order that this summer we can have safer roads in our country. However, the actual proposal is in the event of a driver being stopped and failing an alcohol test. In the event of a group in the vehicle wishing to continue their journey, then the next appointed driver at the scene must prove their sobriety before continuing, as well as having all of the appropriate documentation and qualifications to drive the vehicle. If a group of people are in a vehicle, only the driver must remain below the maximum permitted limit, although the passengers, however much they have consumed, are still required to act in a safe and appropriate manner in the vehicle, although they cannot be called upon to take over the role of driver.
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Dogs Locked in Cars The Truth!
The time of year is fast approaching when it is all too common for dogs to be left in cars. The warnings over the dangers of this are heard by most, but there are still the odd one or two people who seem ignorant, if not oblivious to the risk posed if dogs are left in vehicles. However, on this occasion, we are not going to talk about the problems that the animals suffer, but rather the issues which a would-be saviour might face if they try to act to take unilateral action. For a number of years a story has grown virally through social media reporting that if you see an animal locked inside a vehicle you are legally allowed to break a window in order to rescue it. The reports often also state that if you take pictures or videos of the incident, they will serve as evidence of your actions and will mitigate any offence you may have committed in the act. Many of the fake reports even quote the legal text which you can use as part of your evidence. These articles and promises, in whatever form they take, are not true. The only legally permitted course of action if you see a dog in such a state is to call for assistance from the police or Guardia Civil. Summon the nearest or fastest possible assistance, whether that be local police who may be on hand nearby, calling 091 if you speak Spanish, or the emergency coordination centre on 112, where operators speak multiple languages, but under no circumstances should you put yourself at risk of prosecution by taking the advice shared through these erroneous social media posts.
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Stricter ITV controls from 2018 10
The mandatory vehicle safety vest, the Inspección Técnica de Vehículos, or ITV, the Spanish equivalent to the MOT, will become much stricter from 2018, especially in elements relating to pollutant emissions, the devices intended to reduce them and also a large part of the security systems that are shipped and are controlled electronically. The process started almost three years ago with the publication of the European directive 2014/45/UE, which the Spanish Government hopes to have transposed into legislation, via Royal Decree, before this summer, but it has been accelerated and reinforced as a result of the so-called “dieselgate”, the scandal surrounding Volkswagen, and the doubts that have awakened in the behaviour of other manufacturers. It is because of the weaknesses in the approval procedures that have been demonstrated that periodic inspections such as those of the ITV are clearly insufficient. Regulated by European and national regulations in the case of diesel cars, for example, today only the opacity of smoke is measured. Also, current controls “do not allow a sufficiently efficient control of Euro 5 and Euro 6 vehicles”, as noted by CITA experts, an international working group that works on improving vehicle inspections, confirmed by the Spanish association Aeca-ITV, the DGT and industry experts. Although the changes still have to overcome pitfalls, for example, when it was published three years ago, the 2014/45/EU directive said nothing about the control of NOx emitted by cars, now in the eye of the hurricane. Because it was the cause of the engine cracking and because, unlike CO2, it directly damages the health of people. This has forced CITA to develop its own protocol to adequately measure the NOx, as well as detect possible fraud or manipulation. Among them, Luis Gutiérrez, president of Acea-ITV, points out cases in which, “there have been users who have emptied particle filters or manipulated the EGR valves because their maintenance is expensive and, limiting or impeding their operation, they increase the benefits of the vehicle”. In return they become much dirtier, of course. Field tests are expected to be completed by July and at the end of the year, ready for delivery, along with a manual with the maximum NOx limits, the protocol for its measurement and the procedures to verify that the anti-pollution devices have not been manipulated. Given that the time that the European Commission would take to incorporate these changes is difficult to estimate, in Spain the goal of Industry is to “incorporate it as soon as possible”, according to Gutiérrez, “because although high NOx limits are now set to drive out the big polluters.”
This would allow its application throughout 2018, when numerous security systems under electronic control will be reviewed, such as the stability program, the airbags or the seatbelt pre-tensioners. Although there is also a problem. For these inspections to make sense, manufacturers must allow access to the vehicle's switchboard and share information about those systems. Even charging an amount for it, an issue that would be discussed, but the president of Aeca-ITV qualifies it as “Kafkaesque” as they are mandatory security systems. Would the above raise an increase in fees for passing ITV? “If we have to pay for the data, you will have to pay for the data, it depends on the model that the ITV station operates in. If it is in a liberalized environment, it is easier for the overhead to be transferred to the user. Where the Administration fixes the tariffs it is more difficult but, then, it would have to compensate the concessionaire”.
How the Driving Test h Most teenagers look forward to the day when they pass their driving test and are then able to take to the open road with mobility, but before obtaining that freedom, they first have to face the arduous task of learning to drive, and then passing the examinations. Unlike other countries, Spain does not permit novice drivers to learn to drive with parents, or friends, all driving lessons for learners must be carried out through an approved driving school, and with approved instructors. The method of training is often somewhat different to the UK, for example, with the instructor often taking a number of students out at once, with them sharing the driving time, whilst the rest learn through observation. The test itself is no less daunting however, with long waiting lists due to a shortage of examiners, a recent proposal was to ask Guardia Civil traffic officers to conduct examinations in order to reduce the backlog. Although this has still not happened, the thought of a young learner having a traffic cop sat alongside them may not be the part they would look forward to most. The test, or tests, as they comprise of theory and practical elements, have changed over time in Spain too, and they continue to evolve with changes which present themselves in this fast-growing modern, technology-driven world. We have seen in a previous edition of N332 Roadwatch how experts believe that babies
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born today may never have to pass a test, as the technology is making self-driving vehicles a reality on the roads of the future. We have also seen how the driving test in the UK has changed, with less emphasis on learning manoeuvres, and more of a focus on so called “free driving�, including using the GPS. Spain, is set to ambark on similar changes in the future too. If you ask any adolescent you want to do at the age of 18, apart from many things your parents will not want to hear, they will tell you that they want to get a driver's license. The perhaps most tedious part of the driving test, but certainly very necessary is the theoretical one, which we forget easily on the road but which is essential to maintain road safety . In Spain, only a few years ago the system was simple, you found a driving school, obtained the books with all the necessary theoretical driving rules that you should learn, and either went to classes, or studied and practiced on your own. Once you had studied to a confident level, you sat an exam consisting of 40 questions, from which you were allowed to fail on 3. With the passage of time, the number of questions was reduced to 30 and with just 2 wrong answers allowed. The biggest problem that the concept of road safety met with was that the questions and options were considerably reduced, thus, many people managed to pass the test by simply learning these answers, without any understanding of the reasons behind them.
has Evolved over Time On the 21st of January, 2013 a new type of driving test was introduced, or rather its variation. It had a much broader database and the total number of questions were 15,500, which made it almost impossible to memorise. They were also preferably made available in computer format. But the changes did not only arise in the theoretical part but also in the practical elements. From that moment on, before driving, the examiner would ask students to perform some basic mechanical checks, such as checking the fluid level, the correct tyre pressure, etc. Things we should all know. In the current legislature, the DGT has proposed new changes for the driving test. One of them is to include videos in the theoretical exam that represent situations of risk in driving. In the videos, the student would be faced with having to choose such things as priorities, and thus theoretically, it will be possible to assess if that person is really prepared to go out on the road with a vehicle. Many young people make the mistake that driving is easy and that it is their right to be
allowed to do so. Just having an idea of how a vehicle moves, or even knowing the rules of the road, does not necessarily prepare you for the real-life situations that drivers face on a daily basis. The paper-based test will be phased out, replaced by an entirely computer-based system, thus preventing cheating, which has arisen on numerous occasions, and ensures a better level of knowledge in order to understand the questions. The practical test in Spain is also set to include more “free-driving� time, allowing the examiner to see how the student reacts to situations beyond what they may have practised by rote. Using the GPS safely is also set to be included, thus offering real driving scenarios to the driver, and adding the extra element of training and examination as to when it is safe to use devices in the car. What do you think of these changes, would you include others? Send your comment to news@n332.es and we will publish some of your thoughts in the future.
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If you feel unsafe you might be suffering Driving at night can be a daunting concept for many people, with reduced visibility and a complete change in the special awareness required to operate a vehicle safely, many people simply choose to avoid night driving as they feel so insecure. However, many of those people who do feel uncomfortable or unsafe may actually be suffering from a condition recognised by the medical community: Night Blindness. We must first point out that your eyes should be checked, and rectified if necessary, on a regular basis. As we get older, our eyesight can deteriorate, and the subtle changes that occur may not be noticeable, we might not actually realise that our vision is so impaired. Regular checks are the only safe way of ensuring this. In addition, if you do feel like you might suffer from any of the symptoms we are about to mention, you must visit a qualified optician, we are simply offering an overview of one of many hidden vision problems. We must realise that it is normal for us to feel different driving at night, and that does not mean we have night blindness. In low light conditions, the levels of visual acuity decrease in part because, on the one hand, there is a central area in the field of vision that is less clear (that is why we will see objects moving more clearly than static objects), and on the other, because the colour vision is reduced and we see practically only in white, black and grey shades. When we talk about night blindness, we are not talking about losing the vision completely, but about the special difficulty that many people have to see at night. This difficulty is also often aggravated during alternating situations of high and low luminosity, such as driving in and out of tunnels for example. These people find it harder to adjust to light when they leave dark environments or darkness when they come from more enlightened environments. That is why one of the greatest difficulties of those who suffer when driving at night is to focus with the intermittent light of car headlights and street lamps.
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e driving at night, g from night blindness Night blindness is not a disease or deficiency in itself, but may be a symptom of other ailments. One of the most frequent reasons is myopia and, to a lesser extent, farsightedness. In the human eye, those in charge of the vision in conditions of low luminosity are cells of the retina that, if there is any disease or eye problem, will have difficulty to offer a vision of quality. At the same sense, nocturnal blindness may also occur in the presence of other eye problems such as cataracts or glaucoma; or not ocular, such as diabetes or diseases of the liver or pancreas. In these latter cases it is the inability to absorb large amounts of vitamin A which can produce night blindness, since it is the one that intervenes in the transformation of the nerve impulses in images in the retina. How to prevent or cure night blindness One of the most recommended methods to avoid nocturnal amblyopia is to eat foods high in vitamin A, such as carrots, melons or squash. Although it is generally highly recommended to maintain a healthy diet high in antioxidants and minerals to prevent diabetes or cataracts, other causes of night blindness. However, once this occurs, the treatment will depend solely on the reason that causes it. In the case of eye defects, night blindness could be eliminated or mitigated by the operation of the condition (such as cataracts) with the use of spectacles with greater negative power (in the case of myopia) or positive (for hyperopia). If you do feel like you may have a condition like this, remember, as we have said, go to your optician or doctor immediately for advice.
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Obtaining a Duplicate Driving Licence Provincial and Local Traffic Offices, upon request of the licence holder, will issue duplicates of the same in cases of withdrawal, loss or deterioration of the original. Locally to the Torrevieja area, we have two Traffic Offices, one in Alicante, and a second, relatively new office in Elche. Other areas can find their local offices via the DGT website, dgt.es. The DGT has produced an official fact sheet detailing the procedure. The fact sheet is available in various languages, including English, French and German, and is also available from the DGT website, dgt.es. We have duplicated it English version here for ease. In order to obtain a duplicate licence, you require an appointment at the Traffic Office, and the following documentation. The official form. Financial payment confirmation, according to the procedure (see fact sheet). National Identity Document, Passport or Valid Residencia Card. An updated colour photograph, 32 x 26 mm, of an officially required minimum quality standard (such as from a photo booth, or an officially approved provider). In the case of a permit issued on a plastic card, it is not necessary to provide photographs. In the case of applicants whose hair is covered by religion, photographs will be admitted with Veil, the only limitation for its admission, that the oval of the face appears completely uncovered from the start of the hair to the chin, in a way that does not impede or make it difficult to identify the person. The original driving permit or licence, in the case of a request for a duplicate due to deterioration, variation of the data and, in this case, in addition, the document proving the variation of the data contained on the permit or licence.
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APPLY FOR DUPLICATE DRIVING PERMIT IF: DAMAGED, LOST, STOLEN OR THERE IS A CHANGE IN DETAILS ON THE DRIVING LICENCE OR PERMITAND THE AUTHORISATION TO DRIVE VEHICLES INTENDED FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
1st. APPLICATION FORM: official form available at the Jefaturas de Tráfico (Provincial Traffic Departments) and on DGT's website. (www.dgt.es)
2nd. FEE IV.4: €20 for driving licences and permits IV.5: €10.10 for the authorisation to effect transport of dangerous goods Three methods of payment: online www.dgt.es, by bank card at Traffic Departments and by direct debit from a bank account or in cash at financial institutions (model form 791 available at Traffic Departments and on www.dgt.es )
3rd. PROOF OF IDENTITY AND RESIDENCE: ID Card or PASSPORT: valid and original AUTHORISATION FOR RESIDENCE or IDENTITY DOCUMENT of the country of origin or
PASSPORT together with the CERTIFICATE OF INSCRIPTION IN THE ALIENS' CENTRAL REGISTER for EU foreign nationals: original and valid. AUTHORISATION FOR RESIDENCE for non-EU foreign nationals: original and valid.
4th. DRIVING LICENCE OR PERMIT OR AUTHORISATION TO DRIVE VEHICLES INTENDED FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS: the original document, except if lost or stolen.
5th. PHOTOGRAPH (only for driving permits): an original 32 x 26 mm photograph in colour and taken against a plain background, facing forward without anything covering the head, without sunglasses or tinted glasses or any other item which may prevent or make the identification of the person problematic. Veils may be acceptable in photographs of applicants who, for religious purposes, wear a head covering that obscures their hair, with the only limitation that their full face must be visible from the hairline to the bottom of the chin so as not to prevent or make the identification of the person problematic.
6th. CHANGES TO DATA: original document certifying these changes. SPECIAL CASES
ADDRESS: If your address changes, please communicate your new address (a new document will not be issued)
Please consult our website www.dgt.es to find out whether this change can be communicated from your local Town Council. The submission of documentation supporting the registration data (address) and IAE (trade tax) may be replaced by an express authorization so that the Directorate General for Traffic can verify such information by telematic means. For that purpose, the applicant must tick the appropriate box in the application form or fill in the express consent form available at the DGT's website or at the Traffic Departments. If DGT does not receive valid information, the applicant must submit documentation in order to remedy this situation. FOR REPLACEMENT DRIVING LICENCES IN CARDBOARD FORMAT: TALÓN FOTO duly completed and signed in the appropriate box. It is available at Provincial and Local Traffic Headquarters. FEE: Fees will not be charged for n o t i f yi n g a n e w a d d r e s s , a change in name into the co-official language of the Autonomous Community and a change in name due to gender reassignment. The administrative procedure is free of charge in the case of change to data appearing on the identification documents of natural persons. REPRESENTATIVE: If the holder of the driving licence does not present the documents, his/her representative must present his/her original ID card and the authorization of the interested person to be able to complete the procedure, specifying that it is free of charge. (Last update: 14/01/2016)
Road Traffic May be Alicante-Elche Airpo Luckily, the risk of serious incident involving an aircraft is extremely low, but in order for the emergency services to prepare for the worst case scenario, there is only one real option available, for them to simulate, in advance, a situation that would require them to act as if it were a real, life or death, situation. That is what is currently being planned surrounding Alicante-Elche airport this autumn, in November, as the Emergency Response and Security Agency is preparing for a large-scale simulation of a multi-victim air crash that will take place outside the Alicante-Elche airport complex with the participation of a hundred extras and will test the protocols of the competent bodies in matters of security and emergency response. The Director General of the Agency, José María Ángel, explained that “we are committed to the culture of the simulacrum, since it is of vital importance to test the safety and emergency protocols with the main objective of detecting faults, to calibrate the possible deficiencies and to rectify, based on the experience of the implementation of the simulacrum, both by us as coordinators, and by other agencies that can find in this exercise an opportunity to exercise their specific plans in those aspects that are considered most necessary”. The Valencian regional agency of security and response to emergencies organises a large-scale simulacrum like this every year in each of the Valencian provinces. Last year, a metro crash simulation involving several vehicles with fatalities and injuries was carried out in the Valencian town of Paterna. With respect to the Alicante drill, the Emergency Response and Security Agency has convened the first preparatory meeting in which a first draft of the work has been submitted to the participating agencies. Among the attendants were representatives of the municipalities of Alicante and Elche; Subdelegation of the Government of Alicante, Guardia Civil Guard, National
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e Affected Following ort Crash Simulation Police, Emergency Military Unit, Alicante-Elche Airport, Provincial Fire Consortium of Alicante, Conselleria of Sanitat Universal and Public Health, Autonomous Police of the Generalitat, Directorate of the Institute of Legal Medicine, Forest Firefighters of the Generalitat, Comunidad Valencian Red Cross, DYA Elche and Psycho-Emergencies Association Comunitat Valenciana. According to JosĂŠ MarĂa Ă ngel, the simulacrum will recreate a serious commercial plane accident with multiple victims in the surroundings of the Alicante-Elche airport based on the following sequence of events: The apparatus, with 100 passengers on board plus the crew, is ready to land and falls to the rugged ground about 4 kilometres from the runway. Then, after the initial impact, the plane splits in two, giving rise to two scenarios more or less close together (one in the municipal area of Santa Pola and the other in Elche). There are a large number of injured and deceased, and also numerous relatives of passengers waiting in the airport terminal. The Emergency Coordination Centre of the Generalitat assesses the situation and activates the Territorial Emergency Plan of the Region of Valencia, Emergency Situation 2, and constitutes two Advanced Command Posts (one in each scenario), while mobilising the Basic Units. Also in the first moments, a Family Care Centre is set up at the airport, which will later be transferred to another location yet to be determined. As it is a simulation with multiple victims, it is foreseen that it will require the participation of a hundred of extras, formed mostly of students of nursing and of the modules of emergency services, who will act like injured passengers and relatives of the wounded and deceased. Forty mannequins will also allow emergency and health agencies to test their protocols of action. Finally, being that the incident involves a commercial aircraft with passengers of different nationalities, it is planned to contact the British and Swiss consulates in Alicante, with the aim of collaborating in the implementation of protocols of action of identification of victims and wounded, and care for family members. Finally, as the plan draws closer, road closures and restricted zones will be planned, with diversions put in place, but as always in this sort of situation, dramatic though it might be to consider becoming an observer and watching the action unfold, the best course of action during the simulation will be to stay well clear and allow the emergency services to practice what we all hope will never happen in reality.
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Light Cleaning Lights are amongst the list of the most safety critical equipment fitted to vehicles. We use them to illuminate our path at night, during poor visibility, in tunnels, etc., we use them to indicate our intentions to manoeuvre (or at least we should), we use them to highlight our presence on the road, whether driving through a contra-flow system, or alerting another vehicle of our presence. They illuminate our identification, in fact, it seems impossible to think of a car without lights. In rare occasions it does happen however. A team on ITV inspectors in Spain had a shock not too long ago, when a vehicle was presented for the mandatory inspection, but the vehicle had no lights. We are not saying that the bulbs weren´t just working, or the witches were faulty, it simply had no lights. An ITV failure we might think, but in fact, on this occasion, it wasn´t the case. The owner calmly explaining that they, “never drive at night”. At the time, there was a protocol to fail a vehicle if the lights didn´t work, but there wasn´t a protocol for failure if the lights weren´t there to be tested. The inspectors had no choice but to pass the vehicle, with a special certificate, that stated that the vehicle cannot be driven at night, or at times where poor visibility is a risk. Of course, this was a particular exception, and any dispensation like the vehicle in this case may have received will not be common practice. There is however a potentially equally serious danger lurking for every road users, persistent and slow deterioration of the lights due to the sun. You may have seen vehicles driving around with headlights that look like they are covered with a very dirty film, perhaps even preventing the naked eye from seeing the bulbs or the reflectors at the back of the units. Sometimes, the damage is more serious than others, and it occurs so slowly over time it might not even be noticed at all, but it is extremely dangerous.
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In locations where the sun shines bright for long periods of time, such as in Spain, the headlights suffer as the protective coating gradually starts to transform through the heat and sun´s rays, effectively bleaching the glass and transforming it into an opaque version of what it was originally. As the glass on the units becomes bleached and damaged, the amount of light the units give off is reduced, gradually over time, until, in the worst cases, they render them almost useless when driving at night or in poor visibility. There are a number of treatments that can be purchased “off-the-shelf�, although many people simply use a substance like toothpaste to clean the outside of the glass, which is where the damage occurs, but this can be a time consuming job in itself, and may not adequately solve the problem. We let one of the N332 cars become almost to the point of being severely compromised recently, so as to use it as an example, and then we took it to our friends at Autos Direct in San Miguel de Salinas so that the mechanics could work their magic. The whole process took about an hour, 30 minutes for each headlight, but the transformation is clear for anybody to see. By using a series of professionally approved chemical compounds, mixed in with hard graft of pneumatic buffering and delicate cleaning, the headlights were transformed as if they were brand new, literally now shedding light on the road ahead. It is worth checking your lights on a regular basis, at least monthly, and if you do see a deterioration, get it fixed as soon as possible. Our lights took a lot longer to fix as we had left them to get so bad. Check now, before the real summer heat begins, and we recommend contacting Autos Direct, who have been serving the area for well over a decade, on (+34) 966 723 718, or (+34) 966 843 444 direct to their Bosch Service Centre, or you can email boschservice@autosdirect.es, and visit their website, autosdirect.es, and book yours in for a clean. You will be amazed at the results, as you can see in our pictures, and be on your way to safer driving as a result.
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Sharing the Road, Respect and Responsibility
The presence of motorcyclists and cyclists on the roads, especially on weekends and in the spring and summer months, becomes increasingly prolific, generating at the same time a greater number of dangerous situations. According to the latest study on bicycle use, 3.8 million people in Spain, or around one in ten, use a bicycle daily or almost daily, a figure that has increased nine points compared to the last barometer of 2011. This increase is verified in city traffic and rental statistics, where it is becoming more and more frequent that travellers take to self-powered two-wheeled transport as an alternative to private vehicles. Despite the fact that the highest number of traffic incidents involving cycling victims occurs on urban roads, it is in the interurban road network where the greatest number of deaths occur. As a general rule, cyclists, like pedestrians, are more vulnerable road users, and, in places, have priority over motor vehicles. Even so, it is advisable to review the regulations so as to avoid incidents. Cyclists have priority of passage with respect to motor vehicles, when, circulating in a group, the first has already started crossing or entering a roundabout. That is to say, when cyclists are riding in groups, they are considered as a single mobile unit of transit. However, cyclists too have to comply with a series of obligations when using the public roads. Cyclists are permitted to ride in a parallel column, of a maximum of two side by side, but always as far to the right as possible on the road, and in single file in areas of reduced visibility. Likewise, cyclists are obliged to use the hard shoulder, where present, and if no specific lanes or hard shoulder is available, or blocked in part or in full, then they can use the road.
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Surprisingly for many, cyclists are permitted on certain motorways, although they can only travel along the hard shoulder, and must be over 14 years of age, and not on a route where cycling is prohibited by the presence of corresponding signs. Helmet use is compulsory on long-distance routes for all bicycle users. On urban roads its use is mandatory for children under 16 years of age, whether they are riding the bike or as a passenger. For those over 16, it is not mandatory, although it is highly recommended. It is mandatory for cyclists, both on the road and in urban areas, the use of front and rear reflective light on the bicycle, as well as the use of a reflective garment when driving at night and in poor visibility. A bell is also a mandatory requirement. Cyclists, like other drivers of other vehicles, are required to undergo alcohol and drug tests if suspected of having consumed either, and when they are required to undergo preventive controls, are involved in a traffic incident or have committed a violation. In these cases, only the administrative penalty is applied, not the deduction of points since they are linked to the driving licence. Cyclists, like all road users, must comply with the rest of rules established in traffic legislation and road safety. This means such obvious points as stopping at red lights, stopping at stop signs (and putting one foot on the ground), not riding down one-way streets the wrong way, not riding over pedestrian crossings or pavements, in fact, adhering to the rules of the road as all other vehicles and drivers must do. All road users command respect, but that respect should work for all vehicle operators whatever the vehicle they are driving, from an articulated lorry, to a two-wheeled bicycle, and everything in between. It is important to remember that roads are shared spaces, where vehicles of different sizes and characteristics must operate together, providing a free flow for all, in the safest possible manner.
Continued...
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Sharing the Road, Respect and Responsibility We must also remember a second important factor, that all road traffic rules and laws, without exception, have one aim, that is to ensure the safety of everybody using the roads. It is common knowledge, albeit a somewhat bold statement to make, that every single one of us driving will break the law at some point, often on multiple times each day. That is not to say that when we do we are Whether driving too fast, too slow, using a mobile phone, drinking and driving, not using the mandatory safety devices, for example, they are activities which seriously risk road safety, but these risks, and all traffic laws, apply to all road users, and all types of vehicles. There have been a number of catastrophic incidents involving cyclists recently, and whereas no blame or responsibility is being placed on any party involved in those incidents, these have led to an increase in calls for “respect� on the road for cyclists. Of course, this is a very important notion to practice, but also a notion which works both ways. Cyclists, and motorcyclists, car, truck, bus drivers, all road users must practice respect for others in theses shard spaces. Vehicles must allow at least 1.5 metres clearance in order to overtake a cyclist, and are permitted to cross the solid white line to do so, so long as no vehicles are coming towards them, and it is safe to do so, the only exception to the solid white line rule. As we have said, cyclists are allowed to ride two-abreast on the road, so long as they don´t impede the flow of traffic behind them, in which case they must move back into single file. Cyclists must keep to the right, as far right as is safe to do so (like all vehicles incidentally), BUT AT certain times, cyclists can use more of the lane in order to negotiate certain hazards, again, so long as it is safe to do so.
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We wouldn´t expect to see two or more cars driving side by side on a single carriageway road, perhaps with their drivers distracted enough to be holding a conversation with each other, the very thought of it would spread fear and dread into many road users, nor is it acceptable for cyclists to take up more of the road than is necessary, and for them to be distracted is of the utmost risk. With all this said, many road users still complain about cyclists and their lack of respect for the law, going through red lights, rising on the pavement, riding across pedestrian crossings, and complain that the Guardia Civil and Police do nothing about it. The reality is that traffic enforcement officers are taking action whenever they see any road user committing an offence, but there are not enough officers employed to watch every kilometre of the road. That said, it does happen. We can see a traffic violation report issued to a cyclist, in which the offence recorded was contrary to Article 18, Paragraph 1 of the General Driving Rules, citing in the basic translation of driving a vehicle without maintaining attention, riding with other cyclists three abreast, and using too much of the road from the right. The offence carries a penalty of 80 euro, and saw the cyclist reported for risking his life, that of the group he was with, and the movement of other vehicles. Moreover, the DGT´s airborne equipment is starting to ease the pressure, watching from the sky. Recently, the Pegasus equipped helicopters have increased their vigilance towards cyclists, trying to make sure that large groups comply with safe practice on the roads, and, on a number of occasions, have called ground officers to intercept the groups, advise them of their unsafe practices, such as riding three abreast, and, in some cases, issue on the spot fines. Remember, cycles are vehicles too, and are subject to the same laws as other. Ground officers also enforce the law when they see infractions y the way, as has been the case in a number of occasions, and they will continue to do so, for our part, it is not the job of other road users to police the road, or hinder the flow of anybody´s movement, nor is it our role or right to create a hazard. If we see infractions, or actions that we believe are unsafe, we can notify the authorities to deal with the situation, but primarily, at the time, stay back, stay clear, stay calm and stay safe.
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Getting Fined Without Moving Excessive speed or driving whilst using a mobile phone are two of the most common causes for which you can receive a traffic sanction, but it is also possible to be fined without your vehicle moving, and not only for parking where you shouldn´t. Many drivers seem oblivious to the fact that you can be fined for washing your car in the street, or for carrying out repairs. Although the fines are largely symbolic, depending on the municipality, they exist none the less. Water, oil, other deposits can interfere with the road surface and can become a risk. There are also environmental concerns over the disposal of waste, such as water, or other fluids. Car wash facilities have complex recycling and drainage systems so as to minimise waste of the precious commodity of water. Not having a clean car can result in a fine. Even if the vehicle isn´t going to move, the lights and reflectors, and the number plates, must be kept clear, if the vehicle is moving, so must the windows.
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Having a number plate in a poor condition, whether you drive or not, can result in a fine of 80 euro. If the vehicle is permitted on the road, the number plate must be clear. There are a number of fines possible at the fuel filling station, some of these posing a serious risk, but some less obvious than others. You must not smoke when refuelling, or light incendiaries such as matches. However, you are not permitted to refuel with your lights on, or the engine running, nor are you allowed to use your mobile phone or have the radio on. Any of these activities can lead to a 200 euro fine and the loss of 3 points. It´s also never a good idea to leave the keys in the ignition, although this is mostly for your own security. If you have moved house and you have not notified the DGT of your new address, you can also receive a sanction. It is a simple process to perform and free, so it is worth notifying them as soon as possible. These are just a few of the fines you can face without moving, there are many more, including not wearing a high visibility vest if you leave your vehicle in an emergency, not placing warning triangles, or in the wrong place, creating excessive noise or disturbances, using the horn inappropriately, the list goes on, but all of these fines are for one common goal, and that is to improve safety.
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Choosing a Perfect Helmet Do you know what features are best for your helmet when driving a 2 wheel vehicle?
The Spanish national association of companies representing the industry, (Asociaciรณn Nacional de Empresas del Sector de Dos Ruedas), offer these handy tips. You must be able to see the ECE (European Standard) label clearly. It must cover the forehead above the eyebrows. It must not move or fall on the driver's eyes or apply pressure on the forehead. It must not hinder the driver's peripheral vision. It must not push the glasses or reduce the vision of the bikers who wear glasses. Most importantly: It must be comfortable. Remember, a helmet is only worn correctly if it is secured to the head it is protecting. Always use the chin strap and always make sure your helmet is secure.
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Pedestrian Lights 2017 Style We are hopefully all aware of pedestrian crossings and the signs and signals used to indicate how we interact with these locations, red and green men, traffic lights, even belisha beacons, but as the world around us changes, so does the need to adapt signs and signals in order for them to be noticed. The image of a sulky teen with their head bowed down reading their mobile might be an easy one for our mind to conjure up, but as social media, messaging, live news, updates and our digital assistants follow us in our pocket devices, it is becoming more common for our phones to serve as a greater distraction as we walk down the street. In cities like Murcia, and many others, signs have been painted on the pavement warning pedestrians to be more alert, often accompanied in areas with tactile paving, ribbed tiles designed to help those with visual impairment, now helping those who choose to not look ahead. Now, in the city of Bodegraven-Reeuwijk in the west of the Netherlands, a city with a population of 32,000 inhabitants, a new type of light alert has been installed to prevent mobile phone distractions. It is called, “+Lichtlijn”. The new system has been located at a pedestrian crossing at an intersection near several schools. It consists of a line of light integrated into the sidewalk that changes from red to green, synchronised with the main traffic light, and is visible by pedestrians looking at their mobile phones. “People are increasingly distracted by their mobile phones. We cannot oppose this fashion, but we can anticipate it,” said Kees Oskam, councillor for Bodebraven-Reeuwijk City Council. The “+Lichtlijn” project is currently being tested and could be used in other Dutch municipalities in order to further prove its effectiveness. What do you think? Is this a good development? Let us know your thoughts by emailing news@n332.es
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Half of Spaniards would ban smoking in cars Smoking Risks
Dangerous Distractions
World No Tobacco Day was celebrated once again on the 31st of May. The global event, promoted by the World Health Organisation, aims to highlight the health risks associated with smoking, and aims to offer assistance to those wishing to quit. However, there is not only a direct risk to health caused by smoking, in the car, there is an additional danger, that of distractions and, although we have mentioned before that there is only a hypothetical risk of being fined for being distracted by smoking, the actual risk of something going wrong is far greater. Smoking in cars is not currently banned in Spain, however, that said, it would appear that more than half of the Spanish population would support such a ban. The information has come about following a survey conducted recently by the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine, which was made public during this year´s campaign. The survey shows that 51.6% of Spaniards would favour a ban in private vehicles, at least in the presence of minors, following the lead of countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Australia and South Africa, whereas another 38% believe that the ban on tobacco should be advanced even further.
During driving, smoking becomes a dangerous distraction. It has been estimated that lighting a cigarette causes us to withdraw our attention from the road for 4 seconds, which means that, driving on a motorway at 120 kilometres per hour, we have taken our eyes off the road for at least 132 meters. Lighting a cigarette in the vehicle can cause the driver to drop a spark, potentially falling on the driver or the seats, causing alarm and a reaction that could turn your attention away from driving, and subsequently cause a more serious incident. In addition, 3% of forest fires - 21,000 in the last ten years - have their ultimate origin in cigarette butts thrown or dumped from one of the millions of vehicles on the roads at this time of year. Despite declining numbers of smokers and public awareness of fires, it remains one of the gravest dangers to forests, fields and wildlife. To the extent that this behaviour (throwing objects from cars in motion, including cigarette butts) is punished with a fine of 200 euro and the withdrawal of 4 points of driving licence.
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CitroÍn C4 is May´s Top Seller During May, 126,411 new cars were registered in Spain, representing an increase of slightly more than 11%, according to the information provided by the Spanish vehicle and truck manufacturing association, ANFAC. In the accumulated figures of the year so far, January to May, there has been a 7.3% increase over the same period of last year. However, when analysing the figures by segments, the private market has been much less active, with only 2.1% more registrations in the first five months of the year. It has been the notable growth in company vehicles, more than 12%, and rental company acquisitions, 18%, which have boosted the growth in the market as a whole. Positive figures in the tourism sector have no doubt assisted the vehicle sales figures, according to ANFAC, with rental companies preparing for a bumper summer season following a successful Easter. Despite financial incentives aimed at encouraging private sellers to upgrade their older vehicles, the fleet on the roads of Spain continues to age, with the average now being 12 years old. That said, with an average promotional saving potentially exceeding 4,800₏, the opportunity to upgrade has never been greater, and so the industry is hoping for a push on private sales to further boost their figures.
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Top Selling Cars in May 1. CITROËN "C4" 2. SEAT "LEÓN" 3. VOLKSWAGEN "POLO" 4. OPEL "CORSA" 5. RENAULT "MEGANE" 6. NISSAN "QASHQAI" 7. RENAULT "CLIO" 8. SEAT "IBIZA" 9. DACIA "SANDERO" 10. VOLKSWAGEN "GOLF"
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