Conventional roads in our country are currently the biggest graveyard as far as road deaths are concerned: 75% of fatal accidents happen there.
And what makes them so deadly? A very dangerous combination that includes speed, alcohol and other drugs, as well as inappropriate behaviour such as not wearing a seat belt and various distractions, with mobile phones at the top of the list. These are offences that are not only recurrent but also endanger the lives of the people travelling in the vehicle, the driver, and anyone who crosses their path. Those who put their foot down take the prize: 7,491 people were reported for speeding, according to the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) in its latest campaign, carried out in November.
Driving under the influence of narcotics – cannabis, cocaine – or alcohol is an enormous risk for everyone. In that campaign, the traffic officers responsible for enforcing the road regulations stopped 694 drivers under the influence of drugs and 794 people who tested positive for alcohol.
Incredible as it may seem, there are still people who do not wear a seat belt. In this operation, 1,129 drivers were reported for not wearing one, while 74 were cautioned for carrying children on board without a child restraint system, an irresponsible act that can have very serious consequences.
Deterrent penalties
Mobile phone use is one of the most dangerous sources of distraction in road accidents today. During the DGT's November operation, 1,017 offenders were reported for using a phone – or for driving with headphones – of whom 751 would be fined. One of the most frequent causes of distraction while driving today is precisely mobile phone use.
Eight out of ten drivers under 30 admit to getting distracted while driving; 67% do so because of their phone (they may spend up to four seconds looking at their messages, which at 66 km/h means 66 metres).
However, the dangerous behaviours carrying the heaviest penalties are related to speed limits. Here, the fine would range from 100 to 500 euros, with the loss of six points from the licence. When the offence is very serious, the person reported must pay a minimum of 600 euros; their conduct may lead to prison or the withdrawal of their licence. According to the offence figures, complying with speed limits seems to be unfinished business in our country.