Legal measures are taken against drivers with alcohol and drug offenses
Juan Ignacio Zoido, the Minister of the Interior, announced this measure last Tuesday the 16th during the DGT Commission. This was convened to take “urgent” action following the deaths of cyclists on the roads caused by alcohol and drugs.
The Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) will implement the “restriction and removal of driving permits” as a measure for drivers who have repeatedly committed alcohol and drug-related offenses. That is, two or more sanctions within a period of less than two years. They will be evaluated as provided for in the general driver regulations. Furthermore, health services will be informed of this situation so they can conduct an examination to certify whether the individuals have lost the psychophysical skills required to drive.
Many of the “urgent” measures already being taken to “facilitate and protect the movement of cyclists” and reduce their accident rate include the signaling of routes frequently used by cyclists. For the time being, 49 signposted routes will be added to the 56 that already exist.
During his speech, the minister recalled that a Special Plan for the surveillance of “dangerous behaviors” committed by drivers toward cyclists is already underway. He announced that communication campaigns will also be launched to raise awareness of the regulations regarding their circulation. In fact, work is already being done on a campaign featuring real testimonies from people who have suffered bicycle accidents, as well as from the victims’ own families. The campaign will be launched in traditional media such as television and radio before the summer.
Another measure discussed at the meeting is the promotion of the use of variable message panels. In this way, the main rules regarding road coexistence between motor vehicles and bicycles will be highlighted. The objective is to “achieve greater awareness among vehicle drivers, especially on Saturday and Sunday mornings,” as these are the most common days for cycling.
Road surveillance increases to reduce the number of cyclist accidents
Road surveillance will be reinforced where there is a greater presence of cyclists. The number of alcohol and drug checks will be increased, especially on weekends. The DGT anticipates that alcohol checks will increase by 100,000 and drug checks by 30,000.
Last year, a total of 58 cyclists died on Spanish roads and there were more than 650 injuries. 72% of the accidents occurred on urban roads. However, the most serious accidents occurred on interurban roads, where 48 of the 58 cyclists died. So far in 2017, three more cyclists have died than in 2016.
How to quit alcohol
The alcoholism treatment provided by CCAdicciones has the primary objective of returning control of the patient’s life to them, in an environment that provides support to stop drinking. The first visit is free and serves as the basis for the medical team to assess and advise on the most appropriate type of alcohol detoxification treatment. More information is available by calling 977 809 523.
