Copyright euroweeklynews
From October 6 to 12, the scheme, supported by local police forces, with the aim to raise awareness about the dangers of distractions on the road, focused on typical behaviours that compromise road safety. The leading no-no was using a mobile phone while driving, which accounted for 40.6 per cent of citations. A total of 3,283 drivers were fined for handheld phone use, an offence that carries a penalty of six license points. Other common infractions included 427 drivers fined for fastening seatbelts while already driving, often after being spotted by officers, and 351 for using headphones or earbuds connected to audio devices, a prohibited act due to its distracting nature. DGT’s distracted driving fines included reading newspapers & shouting at kids Other misdemeanours included reading while driving (239 cases, mostly newspapers), searching for objects on the floor or back seat (135), interacting with passengers (87 – arguments, conversations involving the turning of heads, or punishing children), and eating at the wheel (63). A further 1,803 citations were issued for other miscellaneous distractions. The campaign also uncovered serious secondary offences. Authorities identified 825 drivers operating under the influence of alcohol which manifested itself in distracted driving and 786 who tested positive for drugs, demonstrating the compounded risks of these behaviours. Guardia Civil finds habitual distractions at wheel risk lives of others Conducted by the Guardia Civil’s Traffic Unit, the operation involved 7,663 targeted checks across Spain’s roads, with local councils and local police contributing on urban patrols. The DGT stressed that even minor distractions can lead to severe consequences, not only of the driver in the wrong, but also other road users, and so emphasising the need for full attention while driving on any road. The campaign has shown that while road safety in Spain has come on in leaps and bounds, there is still a need to hit home hard the vital importance of improving road safety of everyone. The DGT’s message is clear: distractions, no matter how small, pose significant risks. Drivers are persuaded to stay absolutely focused to prevent accidents and protect lives.
