The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has intensified alcohol and drug controls on Spanish roadstaking advantage of the long weekend of August 15, a period in which more than 8.2 million trips are expected.
This special control campaign, which will run until August 25, is in response to several factors that increase the risks on the road during these days.
Reasons for increasing controls
- Fortnight Change: Many drivers take advantage of this period to start or end their holidays, which generates a significant increase in traffic.
- Patron Saint Festivities: Many small towns celebrate their festivities, which increases night-time travel on secondary roads, where alcohol and drug use may be more common.
- Substance Use: According to the 2023 report on Toxicological Findings in Victims of Traffic Accidents, 53.6% of drivers who died on the road showed traces of alcohol, drugs or psychotropic drugs. This alarming percentage has motivated the DGT to strengthen its efforts to prevent further tragedies.
Control strategy by DGT
To reduce these risks, the DGT has requested the collaboration of the town councils of towns with more than 25,000 inhabitants, inviting them to join the campaign of controls in their urban centres. This collaboration is not new, as for years the DGT has been working with local police forces providing training and equipment for carrying out alcohol and drug tests.
The idea is that drivers can be subject to controls anywhere, any day and any time, covering both main roads and urban streets. The campaign will run until August 25, covering most of the patron saint festivals that take place on these dates.
Additional measures and traffic forecasts
In addition to drug controls, the DGT has implemented a wide range of traffic regulation and surveillance measures, including mobile radars, Pegasus helicopters, traffic cameras, and unmarked vehicles.
All available personnel will be mobilized to manage the flow of vehicles, especially during the peak traffic periods expected during the long weekend.
The first major traffic peak is expected on Wednesday afternoon, with mass movements from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Significant movements are also expected on Thursday and Friday, especially in the morning, while Saturday will be a departure day for those starting their holidays in the second half of August.
Finally, on Sunday, a return operation is expected with the highest volume of traffic between 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
The DGT is taking exhaustive measures to ensure that this August long weekend passes as safely as possible. With increased alcohol and drug testing, and the cooperation of local councils and security forces, the aim is to reduce the number of accidents and save lives during one of the most critical periods of the summer.
Drivers must be aware of the importance of these measures and cooperate fully, ensuring that their journeys are safe for both themselves and other road users.