Lorraine Williamson
Spain’s traffic authorities have once again sounded the alarm over the nation’s dangerous driving habits. According to the latest report from the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), nearly four in every ten drivers stopped during a recent road safety campaign were caught using their mobile phones at the wheel.
Between 6 and 12 October, Guardia Civil traffic officers, in collaboration with local police forces across Spain, carried out an intensive week-long operation to target driver distractions. In total, 404,258 vehicles were checked across the country. Of these, 7,983 drivers were reported for engaging in prohibited or unsafe behaviour while behind the wheel.
Mobile phone use tops list of offences
Despite years of awareness campaigns and strict penalties, holding or using a mobile phone while driving remains the most common offence. The DGT confirmed that 3,283 of the 8,088 fines issued during the operation were for using a mobile manually while in control of a vehicle. This single category accounted for over 40% of all sanctions, even though it carries a fine and the loss of six points from a driving licence.
Other common distractions included fastening seat belts while the car was moving — an act that led to 427 reports — and listening to music through headphones or external audio devices, for which 351 drivers were sanctioned. Officers also cited motorists for reading at the wheel, searching for objects, interacting with passengers, or even eating while driving.
Alcohol, drugs and distractions
The DGT’s campaign also uncovered a worrying overlap between driver distraction and substance abuse. Preventive checks identified 825 motorists driving under the influence of alcohol and 786 who tested positive for drugs. Many of these individuals had also been cited for distraction-related offences.
Authorities stressed that even a momentary lapse in attention can have devastating consequences. With an increasing number of accidents linked to distraction, the DGT continues to intensify enforcement and awareness efforts nationwide.
Ongoing fight against road distractions
The October campaign is part of a wider initiative by the DGT to reinforce road safety and remind drivers that responsible behaviour saves lives. While Spain has made significant progress in reducing traffic fatalities over recent decades, distracted driving remains one of the country’s leading causes of accidents.
Through continued collaboration between the Guardia Civil and local police forces, the DGT hopes to further reduce these figures and change attitudes towards mobile phone use and multitasking behind the wheel. Their message is clear: focus, not your phone, should always be in your hands.