For the first time in history, the entire Iberian Peninsula has suffered a major blackout that has affected all social and economic sectors, for reasons that have not yet been clarifiedWith the metro, trains, and commuter rail services interrupted for hours, many citizens opted for private vehicles to ensure mobility and return home, pick up children, or ensure the well-being of elderly people living alone, among other reasons.
The country's large cities were particularly affected by the massive blackout, as many traffic lights were no longer able to regulate traffic flow. Police from the Guardia Urbana (Urban Guard) and the Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalan Police) intervened at major urban intersections, but the magnitude of the blackout made it impossible to have an officer on every corner regulating traffic. However, it should be noted that, in general, drivers acted sensibly and cautiously, avoiding risky situations and potential accidents.
The first thing to keep in mind in the event of an emergency, in this case a major power outage, is to avoid traveling or using vehicles as much as possible. However, in many cases, it's essential to use a car or motorcycle to return home, pick up children from school, or accompany elderly people to health centers, for example.
If we're driving during a power outage, it's a good idea to turn on the radio to stay informed from verifiable sources and make the right decisions. But the most important thing is to feel comfortable and relaxed behind the wheel and practice calm driving, paying special attention to other vehicles and, above all, pedestrians and bicycles. It's highly recommended to avoid the most congested streets and look for secondary routes where you can travel freely.
Avoid using the vehicle if it is not necessary.
Drive in a calm and relaxed manner.
Follow the instructions of traffic officers.
Pay attention to vertical and horizontal signs.
Apply general right-of-way to vehicles approaching from the right.
Make yourself visible by using lighting and, if you are walking or cycling, wear fluorescent clothing.
In the context of a crisis and a power outage that affects traffic regulation by traffic lights, it is important to heed the vertical and horizontal signs (painted on the asphalt) and, if there are no signs, apply general right-of-way, yielding to vehicles approaching from the right at an intersection.
It is also important to respect the priority of pedestrians at properly marked crossings, and if we are moving on foot it is absolutely necessary that we are clear that it is absolutely essential that we only proceed to cross a street at a properly marked pedestrian crossing and not at any point on the street. If we have to move at night it will also be necessary to take extreme care and make use of the lighting at all times to ensure maximum visibility when moving.
Finally, it's also important to understand that we won't be able to park or stop in the second row to go shopping for batteries or food, as this will become a bothersome obstacle for other road users, especially in a power outage.