Spain prepares for record car traffic: 100 millions car trips and strict new controls

DGT launches nationwide campaign aimed at reducing road accidents Historic high. New controls and 100 million car trips. 

Spain is experiencing a summer like no other in its history, with road accidents and traffic jams. Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) Forecasting 100 Million Travel by carThis is the highest number for this time period. The increase comes along with a 4 percent rise in road traffic this year. It has sparked concerns over safety as millions of people head to beaches, holiday destinations, and vacation homes.

In response, the DGT has prepared a comprehensive summer plan featuring special campaigns and increased controls targeting alcohol, speeding, and motorcyclists, which will intensify on weekends — the most dangerous times for road travel.

Focus on key risk factors, including drinking, speeding and distractions

The DGT’s approach focuses on the main causes of serious accidents – distracted driving and excessive speeding, as well as alcohol and drug use. Officers will perform targeted checks in order to prevent these factors turning the increase of journeys into accidents. a rise in casualties.

‘We want the increase in traffic not to result in more accidents, as has historically happened during periods of high travel volume,’ DGT officials stated.

Five key weekend controls

The DGT data shows that departures and returns are becoming increasingly frequent. Compressed into weekends, Leading to Peaks of the day traffic.

For this reason, every weekend in the summer will see specific operations, and additional reinforcements are scheduled for the first weekends each month, as well as public holidays.

The following dates will also see five major operations:

• Operation Salida: July 4–6
• Operation Santiago: July 24–27
• Operation 1 August: August 1–3
• Operation 15 August: August 14–17
• Operation Retorno: August 29–31

During the operation, the police will direct their resources to the busiest routes at the busiest times. They aim to maintain the safety of the roads during the crucial periods for outbound traffic and return traffic.

There are other risks than driver behaviour

The DGT also warns that external factors — such as road closures, construction works, or unforeseen incidents — can create additional hazards during the peak travel season. Plan ahead, drivers! aheadBe patient and stay up to date with traffic updates.

Road safety is a priority

DGT urges drivers to be responsible and follow road safety regulations. It is important to ensure that everyone reaches their destinations safely and without incident.

‘Our objective is clear: to prevent the increased number of trips from translating into more accidents,’ the DGT emphasised.

Stay tuned. Keep safe and drive safely.

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