Speeding remains a significant road safety issue, as highlighted by Spain’s General Directorate of Traffic (DGT). They emphasize that the likelihood of fatality or severe, permanent injuries is dramatically increased in accidents involving excessive speed compared to those occurring at more moderate speeds. This risk persists regardless of whether speeding caused the accident.
Each year, speeding continues to be one of the leading causes of road fatalities, ranking as the third most common factor. According to a report from the DGT, 211 deadly accidents were noted last year where speed was a contributing factor. To address this alarming trend, the DGT has introduced a variety of high-precision monitoring devices.
Among these devices is the Pegasus aerial radar and sectional speed cameras like those installed on the CL-615 road in Saltacaballo, which spans an impressive 33 kilometers. Another initiative involves the deployment of “cascading” or “anti-braking” radars. This method utilizes multiple radars—both fixed and mobile—over a stretch of road to ensure that drivers maintain a consistent and appropriate speed throughout their journey.
The DGT has started to roll out cascading radars across various highways, focusing particularly on areas with high accident and speeding rates. By placing multiple radars along a short stretch of road, these devices compel drivers to maintain a steady speed rather than just slowing down when approaching a known radar. This strategy aims to eliminate the familiar last-minute brake before reaching a speed camera.
Fixed radars are installed at permanent locations and monitor specific points on the road, while mobile radars can be deployed in various setups, like vehicles or tripods. Their flexibility helps to enhance the unpredictability and effectiveness of speed enforcement.
In addition, there are sectional speed cameras that measure the average speed of a vehicle between two points, verifying compliance with speed limits over a longer distance. Currently, Spain has 92 sectional radars spread across various roads.
Both fixed and sectional radars are typically marked in advance on roads, although sometimes these notifications may turn out to be empty boxes. Despite this, many drivers are still caught exceeding speed limits, leading to fines and points deductions from their driving licenses.
For more information on speeding and road safety in Spain, you can visit the official website of the DGT or other traffic safety resources.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/espana/2024/07/23/asi-son-los-radares-antifrenazo-o-cascada-de-la-dgt/
