Spain's road safety initiative takes a significant step forward as the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) rolls out new signage specifically designed to alert drivers about slow-moving heavy vehicles on prolonged inclines. This measure aims to tackle one of the most common risks on motorways where speed differentials between lorries and cars can lead to dangerous situations.
The newly introduced S-993 sign represents the latest addition to Spain's traffic management arsenal, exclusively targeting high-capacity roads. This strategic implementation focuses on motorways and dual carriageways, where varying vehicle speeds on ascending gradients pose particular safety challenges.
The sign's distinctive design features a yellow background with blue symbols, depicting a car approaching a lorry alongside an uphill gradient pictogram. Its placement is carefully calculated to provide adequate warning before drivers encounter sections where heavy vehicles might experience significant speed reductions.
Technical specifications and implementation
The DGT has confirmed that the new signage will be strategically positioned ahead of challenging motorway sections, particularly where visibility might be compromised by curves or changes in elevation. The authority emphasises that this measure specifically addresses the significant speed differentials that occur when heavy goods vehicles navigate steep inclines.
"The S-993 sign enhances prevention in complicated motorway areas where lorries' speed reduction is substantial", states the DGT's official communication. The initiative reflects a growing understanding of the complexities involved in managing mixed vehicle traffic on Spain's motorway network, especially in areas where topography plays a crucial role in vehicle performance.