Criticism Surfaces for the Sign in Spain

In a bid to enhance safety on high-risk sections of Spanish roads, the government has introduced rectangular signs with a blue background on motorways and high-speed roads. These signs, intended to prevent rear-end collisions, display several vehicles in a red circle and a distance measurement, usually "70 m" for cars and at least 50 meters for heavy vehicles.

The new signs have sparked a wide debate on social media, with opinions divided. Supporters see the measure as a more consistent enforcement of existing regulations, while critics argue that it is impractical and another tool for fining.

Experts assume a combination of radar and camera systems with AI support is used for distance monitoring, but the specific devices have not been published by the authority. One driver on social media commented, "This is not a contribution to safety, but a new tool for fining."

Lawyers and automobile clubs point out legal uncertainties, suggesting that a fine could be challenged if the driver objectively had no way of recognizing the distance in meters. On the other hand, other voices emphasize that the distance regulation is not new and that responsible drivers should maintain sufficient distance anyway.

To aid drivers in estimating the prescribed distance, the DGT suggests the use of helper methods like the two-second rule or the square rule. However, many find these methods impractical. A traffic expert in Spanish media questions the enforceability of the regulation, asking, "How is a driver supposed to know if they are maintaining 69 or 70 meters distance?"

In Germany, a clear rule that drivers must maintain a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front, based on the "half speed" formula, has been in place for years. Compliance is regularly monitored through stationary and mobile measurements, with penalties for violations tiered.

Meanwhile, in Spain, new strict smoking bans are being introduced, including prohibitions on smoking in outdoor areas of bars, restaurants, playgrounds, and other public spaces, with potentially heavy fines. Critics in Germany, however, are directing their criticism at the government's large planned borrowing, totaling around 847 billion euros until 2029, which opposition parties see as a "financial amok run" and call for spending cuts.

Despite the ongoing debate, it is clear that the Spanish government is committed to improving road safety. In dangerous sections, a distance of 100 meters may be prescribed, and in severe cases, up to 500 euros and six points may be imposed for violations. It remains to be seen how the new regulation will evolve and whether it will lead to a significant reduction in rear-end collisions on Spanish roads.