Emergency braking and emergency lights are often linked by common understanding, especially in Spain, where activating hazard lights in a traffic jam has become second nature. This behavior has even been adopted by car manufacturers in their latest models. However, the DGT (General Directorate of Traffic) has rules that suggest a different approach, one that may seem a bit outdated in today’s context.
Better than the Warning… With Your Hand?
Rear-end accidents are among the most frequent types of collisions on Spanish roads, particularly with the summer holiday season drawing near. While specific statistics on this type of accident remain elusive, estimates by claims and insurance experts indicate that approximately 5% of total crashes involve rear-end incidents. Although these accidents typically have low mortality rates, they can result in severe injuries, such as whiplash, which can cause long-term pain if not treated properly.
Rear-end accidents, although not typically lethal, can cause significant property damage. Drivers have instinctively adopted methods to minimize these occurrences, often hitting the brakes forcefully and immediately reaching for the emergency lights. Unfortunately, this common practice contradicts the stipulations of the General Traffic Regulations, which state in article 109 c):
“The intention to immobilize the vehicle or to brake significantly must be warned by repeatedly using the brake lights or waving the arm up and down with short and rapid movements.”
Moreover, it clarifies that hazard lights should only be activated if the vehicle is immobilized in high-risk areas or where visibility is limited.
Rethinking the Norms
While colleagues from Motorpassion point out that technically the DGT cannot fine drivers for using emergency lights in such circumstances, it raises questions about the practical viability of these regulations. Trying to salute traffic conditions with a hand out the window may not be safe and doesn’t accurately reflect modern driving practices.
The guidelines presented in the General Traffic Regulations originate from a time when vehicle technology was vastly different from today. The advent of ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) has transformed the way drivers brake, preventing wheel lock and enabling better control under heavy braking conditions. This system, mandatory in European vehicles since 2004, has made the old methods, such as repeatedly applying brake pressure, obsolete.
The Dangers of Outdated Protocols
In non-ABS vehicles, emergency braking techniques involved modulating brake pressure to maintain control. However, this is no longer necessary in most modern cars, which have safety features that automatically engage hazard lights if significant braking force is applied. This feature can deactivate when the driver lifts their foot from the brake.
This illustrates a disconnect between outdated regulations and current vehicle capabilities. It is imperative for the DGT to review these guidelines to align better with modern driving conditions and technology.
As the summer travel season approaches, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and minimize confusion on the roads. Revising how drivers are expected to signal sudden stops in traffic jams could be a step forward in preventing rear-end collisions.
Photo: Mark Stuckey and Samuel Girven