This current traffic safety initiative runs from today through August 20 with a focused campaign to curb alcohol and drug use among drivers in the Alicante region and across the nation. The effort aligns with the peak travel period around the August 15 return and departure operation. Pilar Bernabé, the government delegate for the Valencian Community, noted that alcohol and drug consumption is present in a significant share of fatal traffic incidents. The message is clear: stay sober behind the wheel to protect lives on the road.
The campaign emphasizes that the safest blood alcohol level is zero. Officials stress that even when drivers feel fully capable, alcohol use raises the odds of a crash. The aim is to change habits before the road worsens outcomes for families and communities alike.
high risk
Authorities highlight that both alcohol and drugs can raise crash risk dramatically, from two to fifteen times depending on the substance and situation. The impact goes beyond the crash itself, affecting injury severity and recovery prospects. In many cases, alcohol involvement correlates with more serious injuries and longer hospital stays, complicating medical treatment and reducing chances of full recovery.
Alcohol remains the most frequently detected substance among drivers who lose their lives, followed by cocaine, cannabis, and various prescription or psychotropic medications. This pattern underscores the broad scope of substances that can impair judgment, reaction time, and situational awareness on the road.
previous campaigns
In the most recent campaign, authorities conducted extensive roadway checks across the Valencian Community. Thousands of breathalyzer tests were administered during the campaign period, distributed among major cities in the region. A similar number of drug tests were carried out to detect illegal or misused substances before drivers take to the road. Positive results were recorded in both alcohol and drug screenings, signaling ongoing challenges with impaired driving. The results from these checks are used to tailor ongoing public messaging and enforcement strategies, reinforcing the importance of sober driving for all road users.