El Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda (Mitma) working on the development of a new Royal Decree for the control of alcohol and drugs in professional drivers of road transport, in compliance with the provisions of the 18 / 2021.
During a recent technical meeting, Ana Blanco, deputy assistant director of Circulation, presented the base document of this future regulation that will affect both the transport of travelers and goods.
Alarming data: substance use, a risk to road safety
Statistics show a structural problem. In 2023, 34 truck and bus drivers died in traffic accidents. These tragedies caused a total of 584 fatalities and seriously injured.
A 2022 accident study revealed that 34% of transporters died had consumed alcohol or drugs. The cannabis was the most detected substance.
In addition, a sector survey yielded worrying results:
- El 11,6 % of professional drivers admit to consuming alcohol daily.
- El 10,3 % has used cannabis in the last month.
"These data justify stricter regulations. We're not just talking about driver safety, but that of all road users," said a source from the Ministry of Transport and Transportation (MITMA).
Mandatory controls, breathalyzers and lower limits
The Royal Decree will include three key pillars to reduce substance-related accidents:
1. Periodic and random controls
Screening tests will be carried out without consent, in line with the Law of prevention of labor risks, especially in high-risk sectors such as school transportation and dangerous goods.
2. Immobilizer breathalyzers in new vehicles
From julio de 2024, all the new trucks and buses They must be prepared to integrate anti-start breathalyzers, following the model already implemented in France since 2015.
3. Reduction of the legal alcohol limit
The blood alcohol limit will be reduced from 0,5 g / l a 0,2 g / l in 2025 for professional drivers, aligning with the most demanding standards of the European Union.
Will it affect taxi drivers, VTC drivers, and delivery drivers?
The Mitma is evaluating extending the regulations to other groups such as taxi drivers, VTC drivers y messengersThis measure will be analyzed in later phases to study its feasibility and practical application.
European references
- Germany: Self-regulation through internal business controls.
- Italy and Poland: Immediate sanctions and mandatory rehabilitation programs.
"We are not only looking to sanction, but also to offer tools for rehabilitation and support to professionals with addiction problems," Blanco explained.
Public consultation and planned deadlines
In the coming months, the Ministry will open a consultation process with:
- Trade unions and associations of the transport sector.
- Road safety experts and occupational health.
- Competent Ministries, such as Health and Labor.
The objective is that the Royal Decree to come into force in 2025Some measures, such as the installation of breathalyzers in new vehicles, have been mandatory since 2024.
Source: Transportation up to date
