Drugs, alcohol and road deaths in Spain

Data released by the DGT (national traffic authority) shows that 12% of drivers on Spanish roads are stoned or drunk- sometimes both. This is the principal fact to come out of the survey carried out on 2,932 drivers throughout the country.

There are proportionally more stoned drivers (8.8%) compared to drunk (4.1%). Maria Segui, director general of the traffic authorities, commented that although the Spanish nation has come to terms with the “if you drink don’t drive” concept they have not taken on board that it also applies to drugs.

The DGT have concluded that the traffic fatalities could be cut in half if the driving population were to take to the roads completely sober. Taking data from 2012, in which there were 1,903 fatalities, they think that this number could have been reduced to 943 if there were no drugs or alcohol involved.

Segui went on to comment that alcohol and drugs were the biggest threat to drivers on Spanish roads and that the country would take a huge step forward in lessening road deaths if they were to be eliminated.