Department of Traffic expects dense holiday traffic this weekend

The Department of Traffic will put into action its special summer holiday campaign from 1500 hours today until midnight on Sunday. The most important recommendations are for drivers to pay special attention during short journeys, drive within the designated speed limits and always wear a seatbelt or helmet.

The Department of Traffic has calculated that this weekend nearly 5 million people will take to the roads and nearly 45 million for the whole of August. Last year 202 people died in traffic accidents in August – the month in which most mortal traffic accidents occur.

Special measures will be put into action such as creating additional lanes on busy roads, restricting the circulation of lorries and establishing alternative routes. Special speed controls will also be put into action between 23rd and 29th August.

Traffic jams are expected on the main exit routes from major cities and on motorways leading to coastal areas.

The most affected roads are expected to be those in Madrid, Castilla la Mancha, the Valencian region, Murcia and Andalucia.

Last year cars going off the road was the cause of most deaths during the month of August, 21% of deaths were among those aged between 25 and 35 years old and 31 out of 135 deaths were a result of people not wearing their seatbelts. Four out of 45 deaths on motorbikes and mopeds were a result of people not wearing their helmets.

The Department of Traffic recommends preparing for journeys well in advance and finding out the state of the roads before setting off. It also recommends being especially careful on dual carriageways. It also recommends against drinking any alcohol and says that drivers should have a rest at least every two hours.

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