• In the campaign, more than 16,600 tests were carried out, of which more than 330 were positive
• Bernabé recalls that only “0% has 0 consequences because, even with lower rates than allowed, the risk of loss is greater”
• During New Year’s Eve, alcohol and drug controls will be increased to deter drivers from driving under the influence of these substances

An average of around 50 drivers a day have tested positive for alcohol and other drugs in the Valencian Community between the 15th and 21st of this month of December, week in which the Civil Guard has carried out a new campaign to monitor and control the consumption of alcohol and other drugs in driving.

In those seven days, the agents have tested 16,612 drivers for alcohol and drugs, of which 332 have tested positive for alcohol and/or drugs.

Alcohol

As for alcohol testing, during the seven days of the campaign a total of 16,249 tests have been carried out, of which 198 drivers have been positive. By province: in the province of Valencia, 10,550 checks have been carried out, in the province of Alicante, 3,518 and in the province of Castellón 2,181. The positive tests have been: 137 in the province of Valencia; 38 in the province of Alicante and 23 in the province of Castellón.

Other drugs

As for drugs, 363 screening tests have been carried out, of which 134 have tested positive in the preliminary tests. By province: in Valencia, 200 checks have been carried out, in Alicante, 85 and in Castellón 78. The positive tests have been: 87 in the province of Valencia; 24 in the province of Alicante and 23 in the province of Castellón.

Among the drugs most consumed in this order are cannabis, cocaine and amphetamines, opioids and methamphetamines.

A deterrent measure

The delegate of the Government, Pilar Bernabé, has stressed “the importance of this type of campaigns to raise awareness of the danger posed by the consumption of alcohol and drugs at the wheel”. In this regard, he recalled that “only 0% has 0 consequences because, even with lower rates than allowed, the risk of loss is greater”. Alcohol remains the second most common factor in fatal accidents, being present in 28% of them.

For this reason, “it is essential to point out that preventive controls are essential to identify drivers who drive after having consumed alcohol or drugs, putting at risk their own safety and that of others.”

Barnabas recalled that, although the special campaign has ended, the Civil Guard will continue to carry out checks at any time. In this regard, he has said that during New Year’s Eve, alcohol and drug controls will be increased to deter drivers from getting behind the wheel under the effects of these substances.