Distractions while driving are the most frequent concurrent cause of fatal accidents that occur each year in our country. Hence, the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) periodically carries out specific campaigns to control those behaviors that lead to inattention to what is happening on the road. The last one took place between October 9 and 15. And now, a week after its completion, the organization directed by Pere Navarro has taken stock of it with a very clear conclusion: despite the awareness-raising actions and the toughening of sanctions, the use of mobile phones continues to be the infraction. due to the most common distraction.
Specifically, a third of the drivers reported during the aforementioned surveillance campaign used their phone with their hands while driving. We make the section on the hands because it is what was specified in the last reform of the Traffic Law to toughen the penalty for this very dangerous behavior. Thus, “using, holding mobile phone devices while driving” carries a fine of 200 euros and the deduction of six points from the license (previously three were removed).
During the second week of October, the agents of the Traffic Group of the Civil Guard controlled a total of 364,165 vehicles circulating on conventional roads and carried out 7,989 controls, in which they reported 6,631 drivers for carrying out actions that represent a distraction during the driving. Of the 6,719 complaints filed by the Civil Guard, 2,223 were for using the mobile phone with the hand while driving.
“Once again, despite the risk it entails and the loss of 6 license points that it entails, the most numerous offense continues to be driving while holding a mobile phone in your hand, with 33.1% of the complaints made” , DGT sources have indicated.
After this negligent behavior, the fines for inattention that have been issued the most during the campaign have been for fastening the seat belt while driving – this generally happens when motorists decide to put it on when they have become aware of the presence of the agents. Specifically, 442 drivers were sanctioned for this reason, which entails a fine of 200 euros and a deduction of 4 points (previously there were three, but the regulatory change toughened the punishment for not using a seat belt, helmet or child restraint systems). . A total of 273 drivers were fined for using helmets or headphones connected to sound reproducing devices other than mobile phones.
Other actions most committed that involve distraction while driving were reading (134), searching for objects (93), being distracted by other vehicle occupants (71) or driving while eating (48). In addition to all these specific actions, the agents filed 1,198 complaints for other violations that caused distracted driving.
It should be noted that the majority of infractions due to distraction are not specifically included in the regulations, that is, in no case does it specify that officers can report for drinking or wearing makeup while driving. The complaint arises because it is considered that this specific activity has affected driving safety. According to the General Traffic Regulations, they will constitute an infringement when they impede the driver’s freedom of movement, control of the vehicle or create danger for the driver or other road users.
