Beware of Bad Weather in Spring: How to Act in a Road Emergency

These days, many drivers, especially those from Madrid who have had two public holidays, have taken trips. However, the weather is not favourable in many parts of Spain. When it comes to rain, Aemet states that meteorological risk begins with heavy rain, which is precipitation between 15 and 30 millilitres per hour. Therefore, in case of heavy, very heavy, or torrential rain, and if you plan to travel with a forecast of intense rain, the DGT advises using motorways and highways; and to avoid being caught by a flood, stay away and do not park near rivers, dry riverbeds, torrents, and low-lying areas of slopes.

Torrential rains that cause floods are common phenomena at certain times of the year, especially in the Mediterranean arc. In these situations, Civil Protection recommends first and foremost "locating the highest areas of the place to stay safe from a water surge." On the road, water pools or torrents are the most common risks. For example, intense rains can form water pools on the road that prevent further driving. Therefore, it is important to turn around if possible; on motorways or highways, call 112 and wait for rescue in a safe place. Also, avoid flooded sections with water currents, even if they seem harmless at first glance: the force of the water can carry your vehicle away. "It is preferable to turn around and find another route. When it is not possible, do not force it," explains the DGPCyE.

Likewise, Civil Protection recommends special caution when driving on high-capacity roads in mountainous or inland areas. "Roads in Castilla y León or in mountainous systems like the Pyrenees or Central System, for example, are important communication hubs where heavy snowfalls are recurrent," they point out. "The ideal is to plan the trip. And if there is no choice but to hit the road with a forecast of snow, always travel accompanied and well-equipped."

Therefore, make sure to refuel to start the journey with a full tank. It is preferable to drive during the day, as visibility is worse at night and problems such as ice patches on the road and driver fatigue may arise. Also, ensure that the exhaust pipe is not blocked if the rear of the car touches snow accumulations.

In case of being trapped by a snowstorm on the road, it is important to stay inside the car with the engine and heating on, renewing the air inside the cabin. Call 112 to provide references of your location, and if the stop is prolonged, avoid falling asleep with the engine running.

When it is spring, and depending on the area, forest fires can also occur, a situation for which the Traffic Civil Guard and other State Security Forces insist that, under no circumstances, should you try to cross if the fire has passed from one side of the road. Smoke can disorient and intoxicate, causing collisions with other vehicles travelling on that section. If you find yourself blocked and disoriented on a road in the middle of a fire, call Emergencies immediately. In such a situation, it is very likely that you will not find an exit on your own nor know in which direction the fire is moving.

Aemet also includes strong winds in alerts for atmospheric phenomena. The first recommendation is, as in other cases, to avoid the risk and seek an alternative in travel. If you cannot avoid them or are caught on the road, drive with extreme caution and be careful with possible objects that the wind may place in the middle of the road as they can cause incidents. Be very careful, also, when driving over viaducts (elevated passes) and tunnel exits, where the effects of strong winds can particularly compromise the stability of your vehicle. Also, be very cautious when overtaking large vehicles.

Finally, thunderstorms are often frequent in summer at dusk and are associated with rain and winds. Also, keep in mind that they can occur suddenly and unpredictably. If you travel, stay informed about forecasts of possible thunderstorms. If caught by a storm with lightning and unable to continue driving, in the absence of better shelter, stay inside your vehicle. Close the doors, roll up the windows, and turn off the engine.