DGT Intensifies Christmas Alcohol & Drug Checks in Spain
Spain's Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) is intensifying alcohol and drug checks nationwide during the Christmas holidays to combat road accidents, as alcohol is the second leading cause of fatalities.
As the Christmas holidays arrive, we tend to have more get-togethers with friends, family, and colleagues. These casual events often involve alcohol. If you drink, the most important rule is simple: don't drive.
You've probably heard the classic advice: "If you drink, don't drive." Yet, some people still don't follow it, even with clear evidence of the dangers. The Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) reports that alcohol is the second leading cause of fatal road accidents.
To help prevent more accidents, the DGT will increase checks for alcohol and drugs in Tenerife and across the rest of Spain during the Christmas period.
These checks will run until December 21st. Their goal is to discourage drivers from drinking and taking drugs, and to reduce other dangerous behaviors on both city and country roads.
The DGT notes on its website that the time between December 19th and January 6th is special during winter. Road travel significantly increases then because of Christmas, family gatherings, and school and university breaks.
So, during this festive season, drivers should remember a few key recommendations:
The DGT advises drivers to avoid travelling during certain "unfavorable" and "very unfavorable" hours throughout the Christmas period. These include:
- Late afternoon/early evening (e.g., 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM)
- Mid-morning/early afternoon (e.g., 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM)
- Evening (e.g., 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM)