During these holidays, when many patron saint festivals are celebrated throughout Spain, alcohol and drug controls on drivers will be intensified, which will continue throughout the week of August 19 to 25 with the celebration of a new campaign to monitor and control the consumption of these types of substances.
In order for everyone to enjoy these days of leisure and rest, it is important to stress that alcohol and drugs can never go together when driving any type of vehicle. Therefore, in order to make progress in preventing road accidents, the agents of the Traffic Group of the Civil Guard (ATGC) will establish different checkpoints on all types of roads and at any time of day with the aim of preventing people who have consumed alcohol or drugs from driving on the roads.
In addition, to discourage the consumption of these drugs while driving on all types of roads, the Traffic Department has invited municipalities with more than 25,000 inhabitants to join the campaign, by establishing controls in their respective urban areas.
For several years, the DGT has been working with local councils and developing a plan to support local police forces in the area of alcohol and other drug testing, holding training courses and providing them with tools to carry out drug tests. The participation of local authorities in this area is essential to carry out surveillance as close to the areas of consumption as possible and thus avoid greater exposure to risk.
Campaigns such as this continue to be important, as the consumption of these types of substances continues to be, year after year, one of the three main risk factors in traffic accidents, both fatal and fatal.
As can be seen from the 2023 Report on Toxicological Findings in Traffic Accident Victims, prepared by the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences in collaboration with the National Road Safety Observatory, more than half (53.6%) of drivers who died on the road in 2023, who underwent an autopsy and a toxicological analysis, tested positive for alcohol, drugs or psychotropic drugs, alone or in combination, a percentage that is increasing for another year compared to the previous year (+0.8% compared to the 2022 data).
Although it is true that Spanish society has made great progress in raising awareness of the risks of alcohol and/or drug use while driving, the figures mentioned above show that this type of campaign is still essential to reinforce the idea that, on the road, the only safe rate is 0.0%, as the slogan of the DGT’s summer campaign for this year says, “The road doesn’t care how much you’ve had to drink. Only zero has zero consequences.”
Maximum alcohol levels allowed for driving
Sanctions
Chapter IV of Title XVII of the Criminal Code defines crimes against traffic safety and establishes the following penalties for driving with excess alcohol or under the influence of toxic drugs, narcotics or psychotropic substances.
Furthermore, since the Points-Based Driving Permit came into force, around 13% of the offenders sanctioned and 13% of the points deducted have been related to driving with an alcohol level higher than the established limit.
During these days of short or long journeys, Traffic recommends planning the trip by the safest route and avoiding the most conflictive times to avoid unforeseen events. From the accounts of X @informacionDGT and @DGTes , the news bulletins on radio and television, as well as on the telephone 011, information is provided on the traffic situation in real time and of any incidents that may occur.
On long journeys, make sure that the vehicle is in optimal condition, checking at least the lighting, the condition of the brakes and the tyres and, once on the road, take breaks every two hours to prevent fatigue and drowsiness while driving from causing an accident.
When travelling to towns during the holiday season, whether during the day or at night, never let your guard down, even if it is a short journey, wear your seatbelt, respect the speed limits and road signs.
When travelling to or from towns during festivals, if you have consumed alcohol, do not look for excuses to drive, even if you have not reached the maximum permitted limit. It is better to let someone who has not been drinking drive, consider the possibility of using public transport or even resting and staying overnight at your destination, in hostels, hotels, etc., or in your own car until you can make the journey in the best driving conditions.
Enjoy the holiday season, but please drive responsibly and make sure you return home safely.