Spanish Civil Guard Increases Patrols to Crack Down on Dangerous Roundabout Maneuvers
The Civil Guard has increased patrols to penalize dangerous roundabout maneuvers, such as exiting from inner lanes, in an effort to reduce the high number of accidents and fatalities caused by improper lane usage.
The Civil Guard’s traffic division has made roundabout safety a top priority, stepping up patrols to crack down on dangerous driving. Officers are specifically targeting drivers who exit roundabouts directly from inner lanes—a common but risky maneuver that frequently leads to accidents.
The scale of the issue is clear: data from the Automovilistas Europeos Asociados shows that between 2015 and 2019, there were 45,000 accidents at roundabouts, resulting in 317 deaths and over 58,000 injuries. These figures highlight a desperate need for drivers to follow the rules: vehicles in the outer lane always have the right of way, no matter what someone in an inner lane intends to do.
The Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) emphasizes that safety starts before you even enter the roundabout. Drivers should anticipate their exit, watch the signs, and adjust their speed accordingly. The rule is straightforward: use the right lane if you plan to take the first or second exit, and use the left lane only if you are turning left or making a U-turn.
Ignoring these rules doesn't just cause traffic delays; it can lead to fines and penalty points on your license. Increased police surveillance aims to break these bad habits, which remain one of the most common causes of accidents on the road today.