The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) does its part, as every year, to raise awareness among drivers about the dangers behind the wheel during the Christmas holidays. The body in charge of traffic regulation and surveillance in Spain has launched an ingenious message that coincides with dates in which celebrations take place, both in the family and at work.
In the message, spread through its social networks, Traffic calls for caution among drivers using their own “dress code.” For the occasion, DGT publicists have resorted to an ingenious metaphor, converting the instructions for washing the tablecloths and napkins on a table prepared for a Christmas celebration into a compendium of rules to guarantee road safety.
With this nod to the Christmas celebrations, Tráfico aims for drivers and other vehicle occupants to return home with the sobriety with which they arrive at lunches and dinners typical of this time of year. The organization remembers that “there are items that never fail” and then shows the content of those basic rules that ensure safe and responsible driving, as a fundamental part of its road awareness message during the Christmas holidays.
During these celebrations, alcohol occupies a prominent place on the tables, since in addition to drinking wine and other alcoholic beverages during lunches and dinners, cava is usually toasted. For this reason, those responsible for Traffic remember that it is best to avoid driving after having consumed any amount of alcohol, no matter how small.
The maximum level of alcohol allowed in Spain is 0.5 g/l in blood and 0.25 mg/l in exhaled air for drivers in general. In the case of novices and professionals it is 0.3 g/l and 0.15 mg/l, respectively. The alcohol threshold for minors is 0.0. That is, the presence of alcohol is not allowed for drivers under 18 years of age.
Getting behind the wheel after a heavy meal can be dangerous. Eating a large amount of food can cause heaviness, heartburn, discomfort and drowsiness, among other symptoms, which make driving inadvisable. If the driver is affected by any of these setbacks, it is most prudent for him to stop and rest until he is fit again.
When we get into the car we must never forget to fasten our seat belts or place the children in the corresponding Child Restraint System (CRS). These passive safety systems are mandatory for all passengers. In addition to reducing the risk of injury in the event of an accident, we must not forget that misusing or dispensing with them entails a fine of 200 euros and, in the case of the driver, the loss of 4 points on the license.
We must also not forget to place the load correctly in the car. Whenever we can, it is better to deposit objects inside the trunk. If we carry the packages in the passenger compartment, they must be secured with a correct fastening. In this way, we will avoid the dreaded ‘elephant effect’ that could occur in the event of sudden braking or a sudden change of direction, thus minimizing the risk of injuries and damage caused by loose objects inside the vehicle.
In addition to turning on the lights to see and be seen, the DGT reminds drivers who are going to drive in areas prone to snowfall to remember to carry a set of chains in the trunk. On some roads covered with snow or ice, it is mandatory to wear chains or winter tires.
During the Christmas holidays last year, between December 23, 2022 and January 8, 2023, 42 fatal accidents occurred with a death toll of 51 people. Andalusia was the community in which the most fatalities were recorded, 10, while in Extremadura, Murcia, Navarra and the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla there were no human losses to be regretted.
