Spain takes bold steps to tackle drink-driving

The Spanish government has confirmed that it plans to reduce the blood alcohol limit for all drivers to 0.2 g/l next year.  The new lower generalised limit puts Spain on the same level as Norway and Sweden, two of the safest countries in Europe in terms of road safety.

The current general limit in Spain is 0.5 g/l, with a lower 0.3 g/l limit for professional and novice drivers, though under 18s are subject to a zero limit.  A 0.2 g/l general limit effectively means that drivers should not risk drinking any alcohol at all before driving. 

Antonio Avenoso, Executive Director of the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), speaking ahead of a forum on drink-driving in Spain on 3 October, organised by ETSC together with the MAPFRE Foundation, said :

“When it comes to drink-driving, the simplest message is also the safest : do not drink any alcohol before driving.  With this new lower limit, Spain is taking a leadership role in Europe.  With proper enforcement, this measure will save many lives from being ruined or destroyed.”

Spain has also taken a leading role in the promotion of alcohol interlocks, which can prevent drivers who are over the limit from starting the engine.  New large minibuses (that carry more than eight people) as well as buses and coaches, must be fitted with an alcohol interlock in Spain.  The driver must blow into the device before every trip to ensure they are below the alcohol limit. 

Mr Avenoso commented:

“When our children take a school trip by coach, or their daily bus ride to school, it’s reassuring to know that the driver has not been drinking. This is a right every parent in Europe should have, as should every single bus and coach passenger. We would like to see this measure not just in Spain, but in every European country.  Heavy goods vehicles should also be fitted with the devices, as crashes involving lorries are often catastrophic.”