Now that I've got your attention (picks up trousers)
In my: Humble Observations of Driving in Spain, are we any better?
The Spanish Drive:
1) Like Grand Prix drivers
2) As if they are immune to damage
3) In the belief that the law doesn’t apply to them
4) Feeling that Colin McRae needs to take lessons from the way they change lanes or indeed enter onto/off an AutoPista, leave alone drive along the N-340.
5) That if indeed they need to indicate, then they ARE pulling out there and then
6) And flash there lights to say 'stay put you @rsehole, I'm a coming through'. They definitely do not mean ‘Hiya! Please pull out in front of me because I’m a considerate driver’ as we do in the UK
Translation
1) You need to be a very confident driver and be happy to drive a 'left hand' drive Vehicle to even try to fit in.
2) Drive both defensively and aggressive/passive at the same time.
3) Brush up on driving in EU countries, it's not that different, but you will be surprised at local by-laws. Make sure you are covered to drive abroad
4) Learn to use your mirrors! All of them and use them all the time!! We don't stress this enough in the UK, but NEVER take your eye of your mirrors when you need to manoeuvre or when they do, especially joining/leaving an AutoPista.
5) Never forget to indicate! In the UK we indicate that we are Indicating to pull out/lane change. They don't 99.8% of the time but when they do, they do there and then.
6) Do as I do. Become part of the hated 'Middle Lane Owners club' and you will survive - As you never need to flash your lights, indicate and/or avoid the 'Right lane takes you off' syndrome.
You just need to constantly observe, react and rectify your driving in order to fit in. Most people do. Interesting though, I've been paid a compliment - Everyone seems to say I drive like a local. Hang on! That's not a compliment - or is it!?!?