The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) launches, between 14 and 20 July, a new special campaign to monitor and control the consumption of alcohol and other drugs while driving, a campaign that will be carried out in the city of Melilla by the Local Police.
The Local Head of Traffic, José Carlos Romero, appeared this morning at a press conference to announce this summer campaign that will mean that, during this week, controls will be intensified in our city with the aim of preventing road accidents caused by the consumption of substances, one of the main causes of road mortality.
As reported by the Head of Traffic in Melilla, in 2023, last year with consolidated data, 246 people died throughout the country in traffic accidents where alcohol was a concurrent factor, which represents 26% of fatal accidents. In addition, alcohol was present in 13% of the total number of registered accidents. These figures make it the second cause of road accidents, only behind distractions and ahead of speed.
Alcohol in driving
Romero has indicated that drinking alcohol before driving represents one of the most important risk factors in road accidents. Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant, directly affecting functions essential for safe driving, such as perception, reaction time, coordination and judgment. Even when the driver feels that he is in control, his body is already subject to alterations that exponentially increase the risk of an accident.
One of the first effects of alcohol is the reduction of reaction time. This means that, in the event of an unforeseen event on the road (such as the sudden appearance of a pedestrian, a brake on the front vehicle or a traffic signal), the driver takes longer to react, which can be decisive in avoiding or not avoiding an accident. Added to this slowness is an underestimation of the vehicle’s own speed and that of other vehicles, as well as greater difficulty in evaluating distances and making correct decisions.
In addition, he explained that alcohol is not only related to a greater number of accidents, but also increases the severity of the consequences. Various studies have shown that in accidents where alcohol is present, the injuries suffered by the victims are usually more serious and have a worse prognosis. This is due, in part, to the fact that driving under the influence of alcohol is often associated with high-risk behaviors, such as speeding, not using a seatbelt or engaging in reckless maneuvers.
In addition, alcohol consumption also affects the emotional state of the driver, generating a false sense of security, euphoria or carelessness. These emotions often lead to undervaluing the real risks of traffic, which translates into an increase in unwise behaviors. Therefore, even with blood alcohol rates within the legal margin allowed, the level of risk is already significantly increased.
In short, alcohol acts on the body gradually, but gradually, and from the first consumption there is already a deterioration of the capacities necessary to drive. Scientific evidence and statistics show that the only safe rate of alcohol at the wheel is 0.0%.
38 years in Traffic
José Carlos Romero has taken advantage of his appearance before the media to thank the media professionals for their work and their contribution to spreading and raising society’s awareness of the importance of road safety.
Romero explained that today is his last appearance as Local Traffic Chief, a position he has held for the last 38 years, due to the fact that, in a few days, he will retire.
In his speech he made it clear that “they cannot produce satisfaction while there is only one deceased” but he acknowledged that during these decades there have been notable advances in the field of road safety.
Thus, he recalled the historical evolution of traffic accidents in Spain, highlighting that in 1989 almost 9,000 road deaths were recorded. In contrast, in recent years the figure has stabilized around 1,600-1,800 deaths per year, a significant decrease that has occurred despite the notable increase in the car fleet, the census of drivers and the number of tourists who travel on Spanish roads.
“It’s not easy, but it gives rise to hope,” said Romero, who stressed that “road safety is a shared responsibility that affects us all,” from institutional decision-makers and the media to drivers and pedestrians.
The Local Head of Traffic has recognized that his “greatest aspiration” would be to reach one day the figure of zero deaths by accident, an ambitious goal but one that he considers possible if the commitment of all social actors is strengthened.
On the other hand, Romero has also expressed his satisfaction for the positive and constant assessment that citizens make of the service provided in the Provincial Traffic Headquarters of Melilla. As he explained, the semiannual surveys they carry out show a majority favorable opinion on the part of the users, both in the attention received and in the management of administrative procedures.
He has also thanked the institutional collaboration with other entities that, he says, has been key to continue improving road safety and citizen care in the city.