The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has issued a clear warning for this summer: the use of WhatsApp groups that alert about the location of alcohol and drug checkpoints It is an unsupportive and extremely dangerous practice. In the midst of the summer season, when record numbers of trips are expected, authorities insist on the importance of individual and collective responsibility on the roads.
With more than 100 million movements expected Throughout the Spanish road network during the months of July and August, the DGT has deployed a special device to strengthen alcohol, speed, and drug controls, as well as paying special attention to motorcyclists, short trips and conventional roads. However, the agency also focuses on the added danger posed by the spread of controls through instant messaging applications.
WhatsApp groups and DGT checks: What risks do they entail?
The WhatsApp groups and social networks where sharing in police checkpoint locations proliferates in summer. According to the DGT, these notices are not only unsupportive towards other drivers, but can become a dangerous tool: They allow people under the influence of alcohol or drugs to avoid controls and continue driving, with the consequent risk for everyone. Road safety is a common project and this type of practice contributes to putting it in danger, according to the Minister of the Interior. You can learn more about how to manage your WhatsApp group to avoid these risks here..
“Vacation, driving, and alcohol should not be combined.”, said the Minister of the Interior, who insists that in 29% of fatal accidents The driver has been detected consuming alcohol. Reporting traffic jams via WhatsApp can trigger an accident, making it easier for those who shouldn't be behind the wheel to avoid them.
The DGT's position on WhatsApp control notices
The institutional message is resounding: In addition to being unethical, this behavior may constitute a violation. Although sharing monitoring information could be considered freedom of expression, Authorities remind that sanctions may be imposed if the notices hinder police work. or incite crimes, such as driving under the influence of prohibited substances. The DGT (Directorate-General for Trafficking) and the Civil Guard monitor these groups, especially during the summer campaigns, when the number and location of checkpoints increases.
The Minister of the Interior, Grande-Marlaska, has described this practice as “unsupportive and a risk”, asking citizens not to contribute to the dissemination of information that could endanger lives. Learn how to better manage your WhatsApp groups in our guide. and avoid these irresponsible behaviors.
Reinforced controls and technological surveillance
During the summer months, the DGT activates thousands of alcohol and drug tests at access points to beaches, conventional roads and high accident rates. The device has More than 2.000 surveillance cameras, drones, Pegasus helicopters, mobile radars and informants in real time to detect violations and improve road safety. The work of the Civil Guard and the use of advanced technology make it increasingly difficult to avoid a checkpoint, making it even more dangerous. For more details on how these technologies are implemented, check out our guide..
Furthermore, regulations could be tightened in the coming months with a reduction in the maximum alcohol limit allowed while driving, setting it at 0,2 grams per liter of blood. Some proposals in Congress advocate this same measure, and the tolerance for these behaviors will be lower in administration.
A key summer for road safety
With millions of journeys planned and a special alert on short trips and weekends, the DGT makes a call for prudenceHe emphasizes that citizen collaboration is essential to preventing tragedies. Avoiding disseminating information about controls represents an act of solidarity. and respect for life, since after every accident, the most important thing is that everyone arrives safely at their destination.
