ROAD SAFETY PSP OPERATION “IF YOU DRIVE DON’T DRINK, IF YOU DRINK DON’T DRIVE””

Lisbon, January 27, 2022 (Lusa) – Fewer fatalities, but more accidents and accidents with victims, with more serious and minor injuries from 2020 to 2021 are reasons for the latest PSP operation focusing on driving under the influence of alcohol.

According to provisional data from the Public Security Police (PSP), in 2021 they “carried out 339,533 alcohol tests, of whom 4,348 drivers were fined and 5,987 had a blood alcohol level equal to or greater than 1.2 g/L”, what constitutes a crime.

“Despite the decrease in fatalities, it is essential to increase the inspection of driving under the influence of alcohol, given the increase in the number of accidents with victims, especially serious injuries”, reads the PSP statement.

According to the data available, and noting that the comparison with 2020 has to take into account the reduction in road traffic in the first year of the pandemic, in the PSP’s area of operation, road accidents with damage increased by 8% in 2021 compared to the previous year and casualty accidents increased 14% to 13,296.

There was a 4% reduction in the number of fatalities, but a 19% increase in serious injuries, which were 707 in 2021. In the case of light injuries, the increase was 15%, to 15,146.

The operation “If you drive don’t drink, if you drink don’t drive” takes place between today and January 28 throughout the national territory, (in addition to daily enforcement action against drink driving) focusing on driving under the influence of alcohol, but also attentive to speeding, cell phone use while driving, correct use of seat belts and restraint systems, respect for signage, among other aspects.