Lorraine Williamson
In October 2024, Spain’s Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) conducted a campaign focused on reducing driver distractions on the road, especially targeting mobile phone use while driving.
Over 8,500 drivers were reported, with a notable increase in those holding their phone while behind the wheel.
Mobile phone use among drivers increases by nearly 10%
The latest campaign, held from October 7 to 13, showed a marked increase in drivers reported for using their phones. The percentage of those holding their phones while driving rose to 42.7%, up from 33.1% in October 2023. This offense remains the leading distraction reported by traffic authorities, despite the heavy penalty of a six-point license deduction.
Campaign enforcement and statistics
During the campaign, the Guardia Civil Traffic Division, in collaboration with local police across several municipalities, controlled over 553,000 vehicles. The week-long effort led to 8,618 reports for various driving distractions, with 3,687 drivers cited specifically for using their phone manually.
Most common offenses beyond phone use
In addition to phone use, other distractions led to numerous reports. Common infractions included fastening a seatbelt while driving, which resulted in 524 reports. Additionally, 393 drivers were reported for using headphones connected to audio devices. This practice is strictly prohibited for its risk of distraction.
Additional distraction-related offenses
Authorities identified other behaviours that compromised driver focus. A total of 247 drivers were cited for reading while driving, 178 for searching for objects, and 90 for eating behind the wheel. Another 107 drivers were reported for distractions caused by interactions with other passengers.
Alcohol and drug-related offenses detected
The campaign also highlighted a troubling connection between distracted driving and impaired driving. Among those reported, 785 drivers were found to be driving under the influence of alcohol, and nearly 793 tested positive for drugs. These offenses were discovered through routine checks for distractions.
This recent campaign by the DGT demonstrates the persistent issue of mobile phone use and other distractions on Spanish roads. With nearly 10% more drivers using their phones while driving compared to last year, the focus on education and enforcement remains crucial to improving safety across Spain’s roadways.