bryandh
Free Member
It seems inevitable that El Trafico (Guardia Civil) will turn up, uncalled at most roadside breakdown events...... At least in my case they do, as happened yesterday after tyre blow out in our car.
In the process of changing tyre, sure enough, along came the Guardia who asked, "What's the problem?" (Must be a worldwide police thing). Seeing that the job was well in hand he and his partner began to direct traffic around the disabled car as we were in two way traffic.
Soon the job was done and the guys helped out by collecting the (mandatory) warning triangles. On returning one of them complimented me on the correct placement of the signs, and went on to say that few people do it properly....... Certainly not many foreigners. He then went on to provide the lengthy "infomercial" relating to roadsdide breakdowns, however caused, and his comments I pass on for what they are worth. This thread is not aimed at those already aware but at possible first timers taking to the excellent Spanish road network.
First thing. You must have two reflective warning triangles AND enough reflective jackets for all who MAY need to vacate the vehicle. If not enough jackets are available then anybody vacating vehicle without one must leave roadside to point of safety.
Second. If on motorway/dual carriageway then one triangle must be placed 50 metres behind car and the other 100 metres behind car.
Third. On roads with two way traffic one triangle must be placed 50 (ish) metres behind car (more if near bend), the other the same distance in front of the car but on the opposite side of the road facing oncoming traffic.
Apart from the mandatory triangles a number of other items are required to be carried.
Hope this is helpful
Bryan
In the process of changing tyre, sure enough, along came the Guardia who asked, "What's the problem?" (Must be a worldwide police thing). Seeing that the job was well in hand he and his partner began to direct traffic around the disabled car as we were in two way traffic.
Soon the job was done and the guys helped out by collecting the (mandatory) warning triangles. On returning one of them complimented me on the correct placement of the signs, and went on to say that few people do it properly....... Certainly not many foreigners. He then went on to provide the lengthy "infomercial" relating to roadsdide breakdowns, however caused, and his comments I pass on for what they are worth. This thread is not aimed at those already aware but at possible first timers taking to the excellent Spanish road network.
First thing. You must have two reflective warning triangles AND enough reflective jackets for all who MAY need to vacate the vehicle. If not enough jackets are available then anybody vacating vehicle without one must leave roadside to point of safety.
Second. If on motorway/dual carriageway then one triangle must be placed 50 metres behind car and the other 100 metres behind car.
Third. On roads with two way traffic one triangle must be placed 50 (ish) metres behind car (more if near bend), the other the same distance in front of the car but on the opposite side of the road facing oncoming traffic.
Apart from the mandatory triangles a number of other items are required to be carried.
Hope this is helpful
Bryan