HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

Driver distractions continue to be one of the most common causes of traffic-related deaths in Spain.

The latest data revealed by the country’s traffic authority, the DGT, shows that over 300 deaths each year on Spanish roads are due to driver distraction.

According to the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico), around 31% of all traffic accidents in 2020, where fatalities occurred, were due to some form of distraction.

In comparison to 2019, the numbers have risen more than three per cent and resulted in 319 fatal incidents.

In light of this, the DGT has launched its latest awareness campaign which aims to educate drivers as to the dangers of distractions while enforcing the law where necessary.

The campaign which will be carried out between the 16th and 22nd of September is one of a number of special campaigns the DGT runs annually in association with TIPSOL (International Traffic Police Organisation).

The campaign will be spearheaded by Guardia Civil traffic police on interurban roads and will be joined by the municipal police who will extend the campaign into urban areas. The DGT will also have more than 216 cameras at its disposal, which can be used to monitor drivers.

Spain’s traffic authorities also have other tools available including helicopters, drones and 15 unmarked vans which due to their elevated position are able to verify if a driver is using a mobile or other communications device.

Distractions are avoidable

The DGT maintains that taking your eyes off the road for even the slightest moment is a risk and using a mobile device while driving remains one of the major causes of driver distraction.

In fact, the DGT asserts that driving when using a mobile device means that you are four times more likely to have an accident which is comparable to being over the alcohol limit.

Placing your attention on a mobile phone whilst driving means you are not focusing on the road and are therefore not in control of the vehicle.

According to a Distractions Report compiled by RACE, 96% of those surveyed said that they had seen another driver using a phone whilst driving (80% on a regular basis) and 76% said they had used it without speaking, only to manipulate or look at the screen.

In regards to social media, 18% of drivers admitted to having used social networks whilst driving, with 12% doing so on a regular basis. This then increases further to 17% for young people between the ages of 18 and 24.

The most common types of accidents due to distractions are leaving the road, head-on collisions, collisions with the vehicle in front or running over a pedestrian.

Recommendations to avoid being distracted

The following are tips from the DGT on how to avoid being distracted when driving.

• Passengers should always discourage drivers from picking up their mobile devices when driving.
• Try to use hands-free whenever possible, although be aware that this can still lead to a certain degree of distraction including not recognising signals, longer reaction times and manoeuvring without signalling.
• Before getting behind the wheel, make sure you sleep well and do not feel tired or fatigued.
• Do not consume alcohol or drugs, do not eat large meals and be aware of medications that could potentially make you drowsy.
• Pedestrians should also be aware that using a mobile phone and being absorbed in conversation can be a major distraction and put you more at risk.
• Try not to smoke when driving as this can cause you to become distracted. The DGT believes that smoking while driving increases the risk of having an accident by around 1.5 times.
• Use the driving or car mode on your phone if this functionality is available as this will stop your phone notifications and phone calls.
• Make sure the temperature in your vehicle is comfortable and at around 20-22c.
• Don’t fiddle with a GPS/SatNav when driving. Make sure you enter your destination details prior to setting off.

What’s the current law on using a mobile device?

Spain's road safety law considers it a serious offence to use a mobile device or any other communications device whilst driving.

Those caught doing so risk a fine of at least 200 euros and a loss of three points with parliament currently debating whether to increase this to six.

Source

https://revista.dgt.es/es/noticias/nacional/2021/09SEPTIEMBRE/0915Campana-de-vigilancia-de-las-distracciones.shtml
https://n332.es/more-than-300-deaths-caused-by-distractions/
https://www.race.es/area-de-prensa/el-uso-de-las-redes-sociales-al-volante-se-dispara