September 21, 2025 • 8 mins
This week we bring you urgent lessons from tragedies and policy changes across Europe, combined with fresh initiatives here in Spain. Our September focus continues: school run safety, cycling protection, and safer mobility for all.
Our main articles on N332.es this week focus on essential topics for autumn: a detailed guide to road safety near schools, a stark reminder that the only safe limit for alcohol and driving in Spain is zero, and vital tips for staying visible as the days get shorter.
Plus, we'll take a trip back in time to this week in history to look at a key milestone in Spanish motoring.
For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
Our main articles on N332.es this week focus on essential topics for autumn: a detailed guide to road safety near schools, a stark reminder that the only safe limit for alcohol and driving in Spain is zero, and vital tips for staying visible as the days get shorter.
Plus, we'll take a trip back in time to this week in history to look at a key milestone in Spanish motoring.
For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
This is the N three three to two Driving in
Spain podcast. Here's Mark Nolan with the latest.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
Hello, it's Mark from N three three two with your
weekly road safety update the N three three to two
Driving in Spain podcast. This week we start with a
tragedy on Scotland's notorious A nine and how Spain is
responding with new van safety measures. We'll also hear about
(00:26):
the loss of a cyclist in Cork and how Spain
is tightening rules to protect vulnerable road users. Then a
look at innovation in Rwanda where World Championship cyclists will
carry GPS trackers, and closer to home, we'll explore how
Spanish companies are being asked to embed road safety into
their corporate responsibility and how experts are shaping safer cities
(00:49):
for the future. Two people lost their lives in a
van car collision on Scotland's A nine. Sadly, this road
is known for serious accidents and here in Spain, vans
and now in the spotlight as a growing risk. The
DGT calls them a pending subject in road safety, pointing
out that many crashes involve delivery drivers under pressure. Proposed
(01:13):
changes include stricter checks, better driver training and holding companies
accountable for fleet safety. In Cork, Ireland, where I have
some distant ancestry, incidentally, a woman in her twenties was
killed after being struck by a truck while cycling through
the city center. These crashes often happen at junctions where
(01:34):
large vehicles and cyclists compete for space. Spain is introducing
new rules for two wheeler users. The hope is that
greater visibility and protection will reduce casualties and prevent similar tragedies.
Technology is being deployed to save lives At the upcoming
World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, every cyclist will now carry
(01:58):
a GPS tracker. The move follows the tragic death of
a rider last year who went undetected after a crash.
With real time data, rescuers can be dispatched immediately if
someone stops suddenly or strays from the course. It's a
reminder of how innovation can close dangerous gaps in safety,
(02:19):
which reminds me don't forget you will need a V
sixteen emergency light, the connected version from the end of
the year. We spotted a special deal on Amazon this
week which is on Facebook if you need one. This week,
the DGT signed agreements with major Spanish employers to make
road safety part of corporate social responsibility. Companies are encouraged
(02:40):
to train staff, assess vehicle fleets, and run safety campaigns.
It's a recognition that businesses influence thousands of journeys every
day and their duty of care extends beyond the office
to the road. Finally, on the news front, institutional and
police experts gathered to debate how to make Spanish cities safer.
(03:03):
The focus pedestrians, cyclists and e scooter users. Ideas included
redesigning junctions, stricter enforcement of rules, and ensuring that growing
mobility options don't come at the cost of safety. The
dgt's message was clear, mobility must be safe, sustainable and inclusive.
(03:24):
Now back to our efforts and the articles you can
find on the N three to three to two website
this coming week. The first is a vital message about
road safety near schools. As we all know, the roads
around schools are some of the busiest and most sensitive
areas in any town, especially with pupils returning to class.
It's crucial for everyone, parents, residents and those just passing
(03:46):
through to exercise extra caution in Spain, speed limits near
schools are often lower, sometimes dropping to twenty kilometers per hour,
and these must be respected at all times. During drop
off and pickup time, which are high risk moments, It's
essential to park legally and safely to avoid endangering children.
(04:09):
Double parking or blocking junctions is not only against the
law but puts young lives at risk. You'll often see
local police outside schools during these times and their instructions
are absolute and must be followed immediately. This is a
shared responsibility and with patients and vigilance, we can all
help to keep these areas safe. Secondly, we have a
(04:33):
very important article about alcohol, drugs and driving in Spain
because the message is a simple one. Zero is the
only safe limit. While Spain already has much lower legal
alcohol limits than countries like the UK, there's legislation in
the works that could soon make the effective limit zero
for all drivers. These rules don't just apply to cars,
(04:57):
they also cover bicycles, mopeds and e scooters. Even a
small amount of alcohol or drugs can affect reaction times
and judgment, and the DGT is very clear alcohol and
drugs are a factor in one in three fatal collisions
here in Spain, the Guadia, civil and local police conduct
frequent roadside checks, and the penalties for a positive test
(05:18):
are severe. The safest approach, whether you're a resident, a tourist,
a professional driver, or a parent on the school run,
is simply not to drink or take drugs if you're
going to be driving. And finally, we're talking about staying visible.
As the days get shorter, with autumn arriving and daylight fading,
our ability to be seen on the roads becomes even
(05:38):
more critical. High visibility clothing and reflective accessories are no
longer just a good idea, they're essential. A Danish study
found that cyclists wearing high vist jackets had a massive
forty seven percent reduction in injury causing collisions for pedestrians.
Research shows that reflective strips can make them visible to
(06:00):
drivers up to eighty percent further away. It's not just
about wearing bright colors. You have to consider things like
backpacks that can obscure reflective material. We have tips for everyone,
from walkers and cyclists e scooter riders on how to
ensure you stand out in low light conditions. Just remember
not to rely solely on a car's safety systems. And
(06:23):
always try to make eye contact with drivers. We've linked
to all three of these articles on our website N
three three two dot e s where you can read
them in full. And now for our motoring history section,
let's cast our minds back to this week in history.
On September twenty sixth, nineteen hundred, Spain approved the Regulation
(06:46):
for the Service of Cars by Road, which established the
obligation for all vehicles to use number plates. Just over
a month later, on October thirty first, the first car
in Spain, a French Clement Quad, was registered in Mallorca
with the plate PM one. So this week in history
marks a pivotal moment in the legal framework for motoring
(07:07):
in Spain. The regulation also helped to pave the way
for a budding automotive industry that was starting to emerge,
with brands like Hispano Suisa founded in eighteen ninety eight,
and other foreign manufacturers like Ford and General Motors later
setting up plants in the country. That's all for this
week's podcast, From tragedies on the roads of Scotland and Ireland,
(07:29):
to innovations in Rwanda to Spain's renewed push for safer vehicles.
Workplaces and cities. Every story underlines the same lesson road
safety is everyone's responsibility, and every decision matters. Drive carefully,
cycle wisely, and let's build safer journeys together. I hope
(07:50):
you found it both interesting and helpful. Thank you for
joining me. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on
your favorite platform so you don't miss an episode. You
can also find all the articles we've discussed and more
on our website. Just search for N three three two
If you don't have us bookmarked. Join me again next
(08:10):
week for more news and updates. Until then, stay safe
on the roads.
Speaker 1 (08:15):
That was the N three three to two Driving in
Spain podcast presented by Mark Nolan. My name is Lily
and I live in a valley. I am the lily
of the valley, although it is Silicon Valley, not the
green pastures you might be thinking, because I am not
allowed out of my box. If you want to know
how we use AI in these productions, you can find
(08:37):
out all about it on the website N three three
two dot ees. See you next time.
This is the N three three to two Driving in
Spain podcast. Here's Mark Nolan with the latest.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
Hello, it's Mark from N three three two with your
weekly road safety update the N three three to two
Driving in Spain podcast. This week we start with a
tragedy on Scotland's notorious A nine and how Spain is
responding with new van safety measures. We'll also hear about
(00:26):
the loss of a cyclist in Cork and how Spain
is tightening rules to protect vulnerable road users. Then a
look at innovation in Rwanda where World Championship cyclists will
carry GPS trackers, and closer to home, we'll explore how
Spanish companies are being asked to embed road safety into
their corporate responsibility and how experts are shaping safer cities
(00:49):
for the future. Two people lost their lives in a
van car collision on Scotland's A nine. Sadly, this road
is known for serious accidents and here in Spain, vans
and now in the spotlight as a growing risk. The
DGT calls them a pending subject in road safety, pointing
out that many crashes involve delivery drivers under pressure. Proposed
(01:13):
changes include stricter checks, better driver training and holding companies
accountable for fleet safety. In Cork, Ireland, where I have
some distant ancestry, incidentally, a woman in her twenties was
killed after being struck by a truck while cycling through
the city center. These crashes often happen at junctions where
(01:34):
large vehicles and cyclists compete for space. Spain is introducing
new rules for two wheeler users. The hope is that
greater visibility and protection will reduce casualties and prevent similar tragedies.
Technology is being deployed to save lives At the upcoming
World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, every cyclist will now carry
(01:58):
a GPS tracker. The move follows the tragic death of
a rider last year who went undetected after a crash.
With real time data, rescuers can be dispatched immediately if
someone stops suddenly or strays from the course. It's a
reminder of how innovation can close dangerous gaps in safety,
(02:19):
which reminds me don't forget you will need a V
sixteen emergency light, the connected version from the end of
the year. We spotted a special deal on Amazon this
week which is on Facebook if you need one. This week,
the DGT signed agreements with major Spanish employers to make
road safety part of corporate social responsibility. Companies are encouraged
(02:40):
to train staff, assess vehicle fleets, and run safety campaigns.
It's a recognition that businesses influence thousands of journeys every
day and their duty of care extends beyond the office
to the road. Finally, on the news front, institutional and
police experts gathered to debate how to make Spanish cities safer.
(03:03):
The focus pedestrians, cyclists and e scooter users. Ideas included
redesigning junctions, stricter enforcement of rules, and ensuring that growing
mobility options don't come at the cost of safety. The
dgt's message was clear, mobility must be safe, sustainable and inclusive.
(03:24):
Now back to our efforts and the articles you can
find on the N three to three to two website
this coming week. The first is a vital message about
road safety near schools. As we all know, the roads
around schools are some of the busiest and most sensitive
areas in any town, especially with pupils returning to class.
It's crucial for everyone, parents, residents and those just passing
(03:46):
through to exercise extra caution in Spain, speed limits near
schools are often lower, sometimes dropping to twenty kilometers per hour,
and these must be respected at all times. During drop
off and pickup time, which are high risk moments, It's
essential to park legally and safely to avoid endangering children.
(04:09):
Double parking or blocking junctions is not only against the
law but puts young lives at risk. You'll often see
local police outside schools during these times and their instructions
are absolute and must be followed immediately. This is a
shared responsibility and with patients and vigilance, we can all
help to keep these areas safe. Secondly, we have a
(04:33):
very important article about alcohol, drugs and driving in Spain
because the message is a simple one. Zero is the
only safe limit. While Spain already has much lower legal
alcohol limits than countries like the UK, there's legislation in
the works that could soon make the effective limit zero
for all drivers. These rules don't just apply to cars,
(04:57):
they also cover bicycles, mopeds and e scooters. Even a
small amount of alcohol or drugs can affect reaction times
and judgment, and the DGT is very clear alcohol and
drugs are a factor in one in three fatal collisions
here in Spain, the Guadia, civil and local police conduct
frequent roadside checks, and the penalties for a positive test
(05:18):
are severe. The safest approach, whether you're a resident, a tourist,
a professional driver, or a parent on the school run,
is simply not to drink or take drugs if you're
going to be driving. And finally, we're talking about staying visible.
As the days get shorter, with autumn arriving and daylight fading,
our ability to be seen on the roads becomes even
(05:38):
more critical. High visibility clothing and reflective accessories are no
longer just a good idea, they're essential. A Danish study
found that cyclists wearing high vist jackets had a massive
forty seven percent reduction in injury causing collisions for pedestrians.
Research shows that reflective strips can make them visible to
(06:00):
drivers up to eighty percent further away. It's not just
about wearing bright colors. You have to consider things like
backpacks that can obscure reflective material. We have tips for everyone,
from walkers and cyclists e scooter riders on how to
ensure you stand out in low light conditions. Just remember
not to rely solely on a car's safety systems. And
(06:23):
always try to make eye contact with drivers. We've linked
to all three of these articles on our website N
three three two dot e s where you can read
them in full. And now for our motoring history section,
let's cast our minds back to this week in history.
On September twenty sixth, nineteen hundred, Spain approved the Regulation
(06:46):
for the Service of Cars by Road, which established the
obligation for all vehicles to use number plates. Just over
a month later, on October thirty first, the first car
in Spain, a French Clement Quad, was registered in Mallorca
with the plate PM one. So this week in history
marks a pivotal moment in the legal framework for motoring
(07:07):
in Spain. The regulation also helped to pave the way
for a budding automotive industry that was starting to emerge,
with brands like Hispano Suisa founded in eighteen ninety eight,
and other foreign manufacturers like Ford and General Motors later
setting up plants in the country. That's all for this
week's podcast, From tragedies on the roads of Scotland and Ireland,
(07:29):
to innovations in Rwanda to Spain's renewed push for safer vehicles.
Workplaces and cities. Every story underlines the same lesson road
safety is everyone's responsibility, and every decision matters. Drive carefully,
cycle wisely, and let's build safer journeys together. I hope
(07:50):
you found it both interesting and helpful. Thank you for
joining me. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on
your favorite platform so you don't miss an episode. You
can also find all the articles we've discussed and more
on our website. Just search for N three three two
If you don't have us bookmarked. Join me again next
(08:10):
week for more news and updates. Until then, stay safe
on the roads.
Speaker 1 (08:15):
That was the N three three to two Driving in
Spain podcast presented by Mark Nolan. My name is Lily
and I live in a valley. I am the lily
of the valley, although it is Silicon Valley, not the
green pastures you might be thinking, because I am not
allowed out of my box. If you want to know
how we use AI in these productions, you can find
(08:37):
out all about it on the website N three three
two dot ees. See you next time.
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