The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) expects more than 7 million road journeys this coming weekend, 2.19% more than last year. The operation coincides with the special alcohol and drug control and vigilance campaign.
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Today, Friday at 3 p.m., and until midnight next Monday, the Special Operation “15 August” that the Directorate General of Traffic has set up to cover the 7,070,000 journeys planned for these days, which is 2.19% more than the actual figures for 2021, begins.
This long weekend, thanks to the celebration on Monday of the bank holidays of 15 August, will be joined by outbound and return journeys due to the change of fortnight in the month of August holidays, short journeys to places where popular festivals are held as well as those to coastal towns and beaches or second home areas, as these are days of leisure and weekend rest within the typical holiday month of August.
For this reason, these days Traffic has established a series of traffic regulations, organisation and surveillance measures in order to provide safety cover for the millions of short and long-distance journeys expected.
In order to cover this operation and ensure that all these movements are safe, Traffic has the maximum availability of its human resources (agents from the Guardia Civil Traffic Group, civil servants from the 7 Traffic Management Centres, helicopter patrols and personnel in charge of equipment maintenance and the installation of roadside measures, The DGT also has both material resources (780 fixed speed control radars, of which 92 are stretch radars, 545 mobile radars that can be on board ATGC vehicles, 12 helicopters and 39 drones, 23 of which are capable of reporting, as well as 245 cameras and 15 camouflaged vans to control the use of mobile phones and seat belts. The DGT also has vehicles and unmarked motorbikes that will circulate on all types of roads to monitor any infringements.)
This operation also coincides with the special alcohol and drug monitoring and control campaign that both the agents of the Traffic Department of the Guardia Civil and the local police forces that have joined the campaign have been carrying out since last Monday and until Sunday 14th, both on roads and in towns and cities with the aim of raising awareness of the risks involved in the combination of alcohol and/or drug consumption and driving.
This bank holiday weekend, when alcohol consumption is commonplace, it is important to insist on zero tolerance of this type of behaviour to prevent people who have been drinking or have taken any type of drugs from getting behind the wheel and, in any case, to always avoid getting into a vehicle in which the driver is in this condition.
Traffic forecasts and measures
The traffic forecasts drawn up by the Traffic Department indicate that the greatest increase in vehicles will take place on Friday afternoon, mainly between 16:00 and 23:00, which will cause high intensities and traffic problems at the exits from the major cities, as well as on the main access roads to the tourist areas of the coast, second homes and holiday resorts. In addition, on Saturday morning (from 9am to 2pm) there will continue to be heavy traffic leaving urban centres, as well as in destination areas in the late morning, in addition to the usual short journeys to beaches and for the festivities in many towns and cities throughout the country.
As far as the return journey is concerned, the busiest times will be between 18:00 and 23:00 on Monday, when there may be problems on the main roads that channel all the return movement from the tourist areas of the coast, rest and second homes to the accesses to the large urban centres.
To facilitate traffic flow in the most conflictive areas, reversible lanes and additional lanes with cones will be installed at peak traffic times and alternative routes will be established. Likewise, road works will be halted, sporting events and other events that involve the occupation of the road will be limited and the circulation of lorries in general and those transporting certain goods will be restricted on certain stretches, dates and at certain times.
Tips to make your journey safer
Before setting off, it is advisable to carry out a complete overhaul of the vehicle, checking at least the lighting, the state of the brakes and the tyres.
Plan the trip along the safest route to avoid unforeseen events. The Twitter accounts @informacionDGT and @DGTes or the information bulletins on radio and television, as well as the 011 telephone number, provide information on the traffic situation in real-time and any incidents that may occur.
Be extremely cautious on short, well-known journeys on conventional roads, as these continue to be the most dangerous roads, with 3 out of every 4 deaths.
Turn off your mobile phone if you are going to drive or put it in car mode on those devices that have it incorporated. There is nothing that cannot wait. In addition, if you carry your mobile phone in your hand, 6 points are deducted from your driving licence.
Ensure that all passengers in the vehicle are properly fastened with seat belts or child restraint systems.
Respect the speed established for each road and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
Take breaks every two hours. Fatigue and sleep while driving are a cause of accidents.
And, of course, do not drink alcohol or take drugs when driving, or let someone who has done so drive.