28 April 2026 – Regulating Drug Driving to Protect All Road Users, Madrid

MAPFRE Foundation and the European Transport Safety Council organised an international seminar on driving under the influence of drugs on the 28^th of April 2026 in Madrid. 

Driving under the influence of psychoactive drugs leads to deaths and serious injuries on Europe’s roads. Both illicit and licit drugs can disrupt the psychological state of the driver and impair their driving performance. Using multiple drugs simultaneously, or in conjunction with alcohol, increases the risk of a collision even further.

New ways of tackling drug driving are being developed and implemented across Europe. New enforcement strategies and improved detection technologies, combined with more effective penalties and rehabilitation courses, are all helping to create a more comprehensive approach.

The event was an opportunity to discuss the topic more in detail. Representatives from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice/Health, National Police, and Public Prosecutor were invited to animate the debate. International experts from Finland, Portugal, Italy and Frances shared their experiences in the fight against drug driving in their own countries. The event also covered an overview of the drug driving situation in Spain and discuss potential measures at national level to reduce the number of drug related road deaths.

A drug test demonstration was available during coffee break and lunch. 

The final agenda can be found here.

Presentations

Alain Areal – PRP Portugal

Emanuele Laurenzi – ANIA Foundation Italy

Mathias Bertrand – Veolia Group France

Timo Lajunen, University of Helsinki

ETSC is grateful to Securetec for the financial support for this event.