DGT confirms increased police spot checks leading up to Christmas
Spain’s traffic authority, the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), has launched a new roadside campaign this week to crack down on people driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs across the Canary Islands.
It will initially run until Sunday 21st December and will involve increased police checks on both urban and interurban roads, as authorities step up efforts to reduce high-risk behaviour behind the wheel.
Increased checks across the islands
The campaign was presented by the Government Delegate in the Canary Islands, Anselmo Pestana, alongside senior DGT officials from Las Palmas and Tenerife, and representatives from road safety charity STOP Accidentes.
During the operation, the Guardia Civil Traffic Unit and Local Police forces will carry out intensified preventive checks to detect drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol remains the second most common contributing factor in traffic accidents on Spanish roads.
Alarming accident figures
According to official DGT data:
- 12% of traffic accidents in 2024 involved alcohol
- In fatal accidents, alcohol was present in 28% of cases
- This represents 273 deaths linked to alcohol consumption
Pestana warned that driving after drinking increases the likelihood of an accident by between two and fifteen times, while also making injuries more severe if a crash occurs.
“It not only increases the risk of accidents, but also the risk of death,” he said.
Christmas warning to drivers
Authorities are placing special emphasis on the lead-up to Christmas, a period traditionally associated with celebrations, social drinking and increased travel.
“It is essential to take extra care when alcohol consumption is combined with driving a car or motorbike,” Pestana stressed. He also reminded drivers that risk still exists even within legal alcohol limits.
“Even if we believe we are fully capable, any amount of alcohol increases the risk of an accident. The only truly safe level is 0.0%,” he concluded.
The DGT is urging residents and visitors alike to plan ahead, use public transport, taxis, or designated drivers, and avoid driving altogether if alcohol or drugs have been consumed.
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