Overtaking is one of the most dangerous maneuvers in vehicle traffic and therefore safety measures must be taken to avoid generating a risk for the driver and third parties. Overtaking is regulated in the General Traffic Regulations, between articles 82 to 89, and in the Law on Traffic, Circulation of Motor Vehicles and Road Safety, between articles 32 to 37.
Yes, the data shows that in Spain there are more than 2.500 accidents per victim annually as a result of illegal overtaking.
For this reason, driving forward is prohibited in places where the lack of visibility makes this maneuver especially dangerous: in curves and elevation changes without visibility, behind a large vehicle that is overtaking, at level crossings and pedestrians, at some intersections and tunnels.
Also, remember that now it is no longer possible to exceed the generic speed limits set for conventional roads by 20 km/h when overtaking other vehicles traveling at a speed below the limit (article 21.4), according to the new Traffic and Safety Law Vial, effective from March 21, 2022.
Thus, the DGT collects them for greater security. In curves and elevation changes without visibility. In this area, the driver does not have an adequate view of the car and may run into another control that is driving in the opposite direction, which greatly increases the danger of overtaking.
Behind an overtaking truck we also have a visibility problem that has caused the volume of the vehicle we are following. At level crossings and surroundings, the risk of a tram or train passing without the driver having enough time to react increases. At the same time, reduce the lateral visibility of the overtaking vehicle.
Also at intersections and proximities. The vehicle you are passing cannot see cars or motorcycles approaching from your right. In crosswalks the view of a possible pedestrian crossing, which increases the risk of being run over. Finally, in tunnels or underpasses with traffic in both directions, overtaking is prohibited, unless there is more than one lane for the direction of movement of the overtaking vehicle.
