A special road safety operation has begun in Spain due to the mass movement of citizens for the August holidays. During the festivities, an estimated seven million vehicles are expected on the country’s roads, as numerous traditional events and fiestas take place.
Amid heightened fire risk, the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) has issued recommendations for drivers. Authorities advise avoiding routes that pass through areas affected by fires and to check in advance for road closures. This can help reduce the risk of dangerous situations and speed up the work of emergency services.
Particular attention is being given to monitoring drivers’ condition. In mid-July, traffic police carried out a large-scale campaign to identify offenders driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Over the course of a week, more than 210,000 motorists were checked, with 4,234 found to be impaired by alcohol or illegal substances.
Out of the total number checked, 205,000 drivers underwent alcohol testing. A positive result was recorded for 2,232 people. Most were identified during routine preventive checks; the rest were found after committing violations, involvement in accidents, or showing clear signs of intoxication. Legal proceedings have been initiated against 246 drivers for exceeding the permissible alcohol limit in their breath. Another 13 people refused testing and were also referred to court.
Simultaneously, drug tests were conducted. Of nearly six thousand tested, 2,248 drivers tested positive. Most of these cases resulted from preventive checks, but some offenders were identified following accidents or other traffic violations. Eighteen individuals were referred to court for driving under the influence of narcotic substances.
Among the most frequently used drugs among drivers, cannabis, cocaine, and amphetamines lead the list. According to the traffic police, over the week there were 1,634 cases of cannabis use detected, 822 cases of cocaine, and 231 of amphetamines.
Authorities stress that during periods of mass travel and heightened fire risk, following traffic regulations and staying alert on the roads is especially important. Drivers are advised to plan routes in advance, monitor updates on road conditions, and refrain from driving under the influence.
The road safety operation will continue throughout the entire holiday period. The additional measures are expected to reduce the number of accidents and prevent tragic consequences for both motorists and emergency services involved in firefighting efforts.
