Bid to prevent road massacre

Last year 31 people lost their lives in accidents over the holiday period

THE NATIONAL traffic department (DGT) is bidding to avert the slaughter which occurs on the roads every Easter with a special operation that starts this afternoon (Friday) at 15.00.

Last year’s total of 31 deaths was the third lowest figure for this period since 1960.

DGT director general Pere Navarro explained on Wednesday that an additional 400 Guardia Civil traffic officers will be on duty – boosting the number to a massive 9,200, who will be ‘working for our safety’.

He said the DGT will use ‘all the means at our disposal’ to ensure that drivers are not breaking law and that the number of accidents is reduced.

They will be paying particular attention to excessive speed, mobile phone use, drink driving and use of the seatbelt.

He explained that the operation has been divided into two phases over a 10-day period to coincide with the days of most intense traffic, when residents are leaving or returning to the largest cities around the country.

A total of 15.5 million longdistance car journeys are expected to be made during this period, he noted, which is a 7.4% increase on last year.

The first part of the operation runs from today until midnight on Sunday (April 14), when a total of 3.9 million journeys are expected.

The second phase – which will see a greater volume of traffic – starts on Wednesday (April 17), except in Valencia and Cataluña where it will begin the following day.

It finishes at midnight on Monday, April 22.

Sr Navarro said the huge rise in car journeys increases the risk of accidents.

He added that while they will do their utmost, ‘the DGT cannot do it alone’.

“It is essential that people take personal responsibility to make sure that they get to their destination without incident,” he said.

Sr Navarro noted that they have 557 mobile radar systems which can be used from Guardia Civil traffic vehicles.

There will also be eight drones to watch over the roads and 10 helicopters which are equipped with cameras to trap speeding motorists.

He reminded that there are 216 fixed cameras around the national road network which check whether drivers are wearing their seatbelts or using a mobile phone.

The director also noted that 264 unmarked cars will be on the roads to check for motorists who are breaking the law.

Measures will be taken to prevent traffic jams and ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

These include using cones to create additional lanes on busy roads during peak times; suspension of road works; limiting the number of abnormally large vehicles allowed on the roads; and signing alternative routes to avoid areas of heavy traffic.