One-handed driving: spain's dgt cracks down on risky habit

Spanish authorities are escalating efforts to curb a deceptively common driving hazard: steering with one hand. The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), Spain’s traffic authority, has launched a new awareness campaign targeting this dangerous practice, warning drivers of the potential consequences—both financial and, far more importantly, safety-related.

The dgt's urgent warning

While the Fuerzas y Cuerpos de Seguridad del Estado diligently maintain order on Spain’s roads, a steady stream of drivers continues to engage in risky behaviors. Supporting the steering wheel with only one hand, often while fiddling with the infotainment system or resting an arm on the window, severely limits reaction time and dramatically increases the risk of a collision. The DGT’s social media campaign underscores this point, highlighting that this seemingly minor lapse in focus can have catastrophic results.

The issue isn’t necessarily about deliberate recklessness; many drivers fall into this habit unconsciously. However, the DGT is unwavering in its message: two hands on the wheel are mandatory. As the agency stated on X, formerly Twitter, “A ‘classic’ bad habit: driving with one ✋. Supporting the other in the window or leaving it ‘forgotten’ on the gear stick – or worse, grabbing the 📞 – reduces reaction time in unexpected situations.”

The legal and financial ramifications

The financial penalty for this infraction is a fine of up to €200, though no points are deducted from a driver’s license. But the real cost is potentially far greater. According to Article 18 of the General Traffic Regulations, drivers are obligated to “maintain their own freedom of movement, the necessary field of vision, and permanent attention to driving, guaranteeing their own safety, that of the other occupants of the vehicle, and that of the other road users.” Allowing a hand to wander compromises all of these tenets.

Data from 2018 revealed a startling statistic: nearly 65% of transport drivers were observed steering with only one hand. This underscores the prevalence of the behavior and the scale of the challenge the DGT faces. The recommended hand position—10:10 on the clock face—is a tried-and-true method for maintaining control and responsiveness, though some experts now advocate for the 9:15 position, citing ergonomic advantages and potentially reduced airbag impact in the event of a crash.

Ultimately, safe driving is not just about adhering to the law; it's about prioritizing safety and being prepared for the unexpected. The DGT’s campaign serves as a crucial reminder that even seemingly minor deviations from best practices can have devastating consequences.