Summer is just around the corner, a time when we pack up the car with family and head to either the hills or the coast. For those of us who might still be home, what a joy it is to be able to drive in downtown Valencia and find parking spaces on the street.
For those of you who will take a road trip to visit friends and family, it is my wish that you all get there in one piece, and that you return home with everyone having had a wonderful time. Unfortunately, I probably am not going to realise my wish, but my wish could come true if only a few commonsense ideas were followed.
This Summer, at least two people should take the responsibility for the driving. For these designated drivers nothing should be allowed to impair your judgement. Not alcohol, not prescribed drugs, not recreational drugs, not overeating before driving, and especially not the real killer: Driver Fatigue. I'm convinced that fatigue is a central player where long distance driving is concerned. The problem is that often you do not realise you have lost control, because you never wake up. You just nod off, your foot goes down on the accelerator and you drive head-on into the car coming towards you.
I can say no more.
Don't ever leave home without the essential documents for you car. They are; The Permiso de Circulation, and the ITV document. You should also have your insurance documents, including a summary of what you are covered for, and especially the number of the breakdown service. The police can tell whether you have insurance, but you need to have the details of this information to hand. When you need the information you need it there and then. Also check to see if you have the folder for recording a collision. It will also be handy to know something about your health provisions.
Your Road Tax should also be paid up when it is due, and if you are driving into one of the countries adjacent to Spain be sure you have your Green Card. Foreign drivers seem like such an easy target for local police forces looking to bring in some extra money for the treasury. They are just human beings like the rest of us so we can expect them to give in to temptation and try and get what they can. So, it will help to have all your documents in order, and expect tp pick up at least one or two tickets along the way.
Happy Summer Motoring, and remember, the objective is to come back safely!
Copyright (c) 2015 Eugene Carmichael
