Alicante Civil Guard reported a serious incident involving a truck driver who zigzagged for about 30 kilometers along the A-70 highway between Alicante and Crevillent. Bystanders who witnessed the dangerous behavior alerted authorities, highlighting how road users perceived a clear safety risk. The alert underscores the importance of timely reporting to preserve public safety on open roads.
The events unfolded on the night of August 3. Police received information that a large truck was occupying the two lanes on the A-70 in the direction toward Elche, near the airport exit. The driver repeatedly crossed lanes without signaling and failed to give way to the guardrails on either side, forcing other vehicles to brake abruptly to avoid a collision. Witnesses described a vehicle moving erratically for long stretches, creating a hazardous situation for all road users. The Civil Guard notes that such conduct seriously compromises safety over a substantial distance.
The Traffic Detachment’s Reporting Team located the heavy vehicle and, after stopping its movement, observed clear signs of impairment. In Crevillent, near the AP-7 at El Realengo, a breathalyzer test confirmed the driver had been drinking. The measured blood alcohol level exceeded twice the legal limit for a professional driver, prompting immediate action. The swift cooperation of witnesses, who promptly informed the Civil Guard, enabled a timely intervention to prevent a potentially catastrophic outcome under the circumstances.
The 36-year-old truck driver now faces charges of reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. Under the Criminal Code, the penalties can include a prison sentence ranging from six months to two years and the deprivation of the right to drive a motor vehicle or moped for a period between one and six years. The case was submitted to Elche No. 3 Investigative Court for proceedings in accordance with the law.
In response to this incident, the Civil Guard reiterates that alcohol and drug checks are conducted regularly throughout the year and are intensified during holiday periods. This week, the Traffic Civil Guards have increased their efforts as part of the Special Campaign established by the General Directorate of Traffic to curb impaired driving. The goal is to deter risky behavior and protect everyone on the roads.
Public health officials reference the 2021 Toxicology Findings Memory on Traffic Accident Victims, produced by the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences in collaboration with the National Road Safety Observatory. The report notes that alcohol and drug consumption are among the leading risk factors for traffic accidents, reinforcing the call for zero tolerance behind the wheel. The Civil Guard emphasizes that the only safe level of alcohol for driving is 0.0 percent, since any detectable amount can impair abilities and slow reaction times, increasing the likelihood of crashes.
Despite growing awareness, alcohol and drug use behind the wheel continues to contribute to a high number of road incidents. During July, Traffic Group operations in the Community of Valencia brought 253 drivers to justice for alleged road-safety violations. The breakdown included 87 for driving without a permit or license, 156 for driving under the influence of alcohol, 6 for reckless driving, 1 for excessive speeding, and 3 for driving under the influence of drugs. In the Alicante province specifically, 33 were cited for lacking a permit or license, 54 for drunk driving, and 3 for reckless driving. These figures underscore ongoing challenges and the need for rigorous enforcement and community education about road safety. (Civil Guard, 2024)