Overtaking is one of the most dangerous maneuvers in vehicle traffic and therefore safety measures must be taken to avoid generating a risk for the driver and third parties. Overtaking is regulated in the General Traffic Regulations, between articles 82 to 89, and in the Law on Traffic, Circulation of Motor Vehicles and Road Safety, between articles 32 to 37.
And it is that the data shows that in Spain there are more than 2,500 accidents annually with victims such as consequence of illegal overtaking.
For this reason, overtaking is prohibited in places where, due to lack of visibility, this maneuver is particularly dangerous: on curves and gradients without visibility, behind a large vehicle that is overtaking, at level crossings and pedestrians, at some intersections and tunnels.
Likewise, remember that now it is no longer possible to exceed the generic speed limits set for conventional roads by 20 km/h when overtaking other vehicles that are traveling at a speed below the limit (article 21.4), according to the new Law on Traffic and Road Safety, in force since March 21, 2022.
Thus, the DGT pick up for extra security. In curves and elevation changes without visibility. In these areas, the driver does not have an adequate view of the road and may encounter another car traveling in the opposite direction, which greatly increases the danger of overtaking.
Behind an overtaking truck we also have a visibility problem because of the volume of the vehicle we are following. At level crossings and surroundings, the risk of a tram or train passing without the driver having enough time to react increases. At the same time, the lateral visibility of the overtaking vehicle is reduced.
Also at intersections and proximities. The vehicle you are passing cannot see cars or motorcycles approaching from your right. In crosswalks, the vision of a possible pedestrian crossing is lost, which increases the risk of being run over. Finally, in tunnels or underpasses with traffic in both directions, overtaking is prohibited, unless there is more than one lane for the direction of movement of the overtaking vehicle.