Canary Islands Authorities Ramp Up Road Safety Efforts Ahead of Holiday Season
As the holiday season approaches, authorities in the Canary Islands are increasing road surveillance and urging drivers to remain sober, citing that alcohol remains a factor in 28% of fatal crashes despite a recent decline in drunk driving cases.
Road safety in the Canary Islands is back in the spotlight as the busy holiday season approaches. Data from the Civil Guard Traffic Department shows a mixed picture of driver behavior and road safety throughout 2024.
So far this year, authorities have processed 214,825 traffic violations. On a positive note, there has been a 6.97% drop in drunk driving cases, with 6,231 positive tests recorded. However, alcohol remains a major safety concern: it is a factor in 12% of all accidents and plays a role in 28% of the 273 fatal crashes reported.
With over six million long-distance trips expected across the country during upcoming holidays, the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) is urging drivers to stay sober. They emphasize that the only safe amount of alcohol to consume before driving is none at all. The legal limit is 0.25 mg/l of exhaled air for most drivers, and 0.15 mg/l for professional and new drivers. Exceeding 0.60 mg/l is considered a criminal offense, and any presence of narcotics results in immediate penalties.
Driving under the influence is classified as a very serious offense. Penalties include fines between 500 and 1,000 euros, along with the loss of four to six points from the driver’s license. Ultimately, authorities are increasing surveillance on Canary Island roads to remind drivers that personal responsibility is the best way to prevent accidents and keep everyone safe.