Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes a massive wave of travel. The Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) expects over 100 million journeys on Spain’s roads. To ensure safety, a special surveillance operation will be launched, as is customary every year, and will be strictly enforced by the Traffic Group of the Guardia Civil.
Mark These Dates for Increased Controls
The traffic authority has clearly defined the periods for the so-called “departure and return operations.” On these days, the presence of the Guardia Civil on the roads will be significantly increased. Mark these dates in your calendar:
- Friday, July 4 to Sunday, July 6: First major departure operation to kick off the holiday month.
- Thursday, July 24 to Sunday, July 27: Special operation around the “Puente de Santiago” holiday.
- Friday, August 1 to Sunday, August 3: The operation to start the main travel month of August.
- Thursday, August 14 to Sunday, August 17: Special deployment for the long August weekend.
- Friday, August 29 to Sunday, August 31: The major return operation at the end of summer.
In addition to these focused operations, the Guardia Civil will conduct intensified checks on every single weekend throughout the summer. The focus will be particularly on motorcyclists, distractions behind the wheel, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Special Measures for “Operation Crossing the Strait”
Special attention is being paid to the “Operación Paso del Estrecho” (Operation Crossing the Strait). During the summer months, around 850,000 vehicles from other European countries cross Spain on their way to North African nations. For these transit travelers, the DGT is developing a special plan along the main routes (Mediterranean Corridor, Central Corridor, and Vía de la Plata). This includes two dedicated rest areas and five information points staffed by specialized personnel. Over 2,400 information panels will also provide real-time updates on estimated waiting times at Spanish ports.
Important DGT Recommendations for a Safe Journey
During the presentation of the special operation, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska made a strong appeal to drivers’ common sense and provided the following recommendations:
- Plan your trip carefully: Significant delays are expected at the entrances and exits of large cities and on coastal roads. Good planning can help avoid traffic jams and stress.
- Don’t risk it for a drink: Do not risk your life or the lives of others for one more drink or to arrive five minutes earlier. After an accident, none of that matters.
- Avoid warning groups: WhatsApp groups that warn of alcohol checkpoints are unsupportive and dangerous. They allow drunk drivers to evade controls and potentially cause fatal accidents.
- Be cautious on short trips: Most fatal accidents in the summer occur on short, familiar routes. Be especially vigilant here.
- Focus on the road: Both hands belong on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road. Distractions are the leading cause of fatal accidents in the summer.
