Canary Islands Increase Road Surveillance Ahead of Busy Holiday Weekend
The Civil Guard is increasing surveillance across the Canary Islands ahead of the May long weekend, urging zero tolerance for alcohol and drug use following a year that saw over 214,000 traffic violations.
Road safety in the Canary Islands is back in the spotlight as the busy holiday season approaches. The Civil Guard’s traffic department plans to increase surveillance during the upcoming May long weekend, a period when more than six million long-distance trips are expected across the country.
Recent accident data highlights ongoing concerns about driving habits. While cases of driving under the influence of alcohol dropped by nearly 7% in 2024—with 6,231 positive tests recorded—drugs and alcohol remain major factors in serious crashes. Official figures show that alcohol was a factor in 12% of all accidents, rising to 28% in fatal incidents, which accounted for 273 deaths.
In total, there were 214,825 traffic violations recorded in the Canary Islands throughout 2024. In response, the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) and the Civil Guard are calling for zero tolerance, reminding drivers that the only safe blood alcohol level is 0.0 g/l. Current laws set strict limits: 0.15 mg/l in exhaled air for new and professional drivers, and 0.25 mg/l for everyone else. Exceeding 0.60 mg/l is considered a criminal offense.
Driving under the influence is classified as a very serious violation. Penalties include fines between 500 and 1,000 euros, along with the loss of four to six points on a driver's license. Beyond these punishments, authorities emphasize that personal responsibility and awareness are the best ways to keep everyone safe on the roads during this high-traffic period.