A Blow To Road Safety

Congress Rejects Lowering the Driving Alcohol Limit: A Blow to Road Safety

Victims Associations Express Their Stupefaction and Disappointment at the Vote in Congress

In an unexpected and discouraging turn for road safety, the Congress of Deputies has shot down the Government's proposal to reduce the blood alcohol level allowed while driving. The initiative, which sought to unify the limit at 0.2 grams per liter in blood (equivalent to 0.1 mg/l in exhaled air), has been met with opposition from the Popular Party, Vox and Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya, leaving associations of traffic accident victims mired in disbelief and deep disgust.

This proposal represented one of the star projects of the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) and of the Minister of the Interior himself, Fernando Grande-Marlaska. Its objective was to respond to the numerous requests from groups fighting for greater safety on the roads, based on conclusive data: alcohol is present in one in three fatal accidents, and almost half of the drivers killed in road accidents had consumed alcohol or drugs, according to the latest reports from the National Institute of Toxicology.

The socialist measure aimed to eliminate the differences between novice and professional drivers, establishing a single, more restrictive limit for all. The intention was clear: save lives and prevent tragedies. However, the lack of political consensus has frustrated this progress, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of those who had been promoting this reform with hope.

Francisco Canes, president of the DIA Association of Accident Victims, described the decision as “atrocious” and “totally anachronistic.” In statements to EFE, he expressed his astonishment at the reasons behind the votes against, stressing that the initiative did not seek to prohibit the consumption of alcohol, but rather to raise awareness about the risks of driving after having done so. “Opposing it is shameless,” he said.

Canes compared the situation to the prohibition of drinking alcohol and piloting an airplane, climbing a scaffold or manipulating a high-voltage panel. He emphasized that the measure aligns with the European trend, where surrounding countries have already implemented similar, and even lower, limits. The logic behind the proposal was simple: protect the innocent from those who put their lives at risk through an irresponsible decision.

Mar Cogollos, director of the Association of Spinal Injuries (Aesleme), shared her deep disappointment. “A very bad day for civil society,” he declared, recalling the consensus that had historically existed on road safety issues in Congress. The surprise was huge, since the entities that have worked tirelessly for this cause now saw their efforts frustrated.

Cogollos posed a rhetorical question to the deputies who voted against: “How do you confront someone who, because of a drunk driver, has killed their son or mother, how do you look them in the eyes and tell them that you are still not reducing the blood alcohol level?” The representative of Aesleme pointed to the climate of political confrontation as a possible cause of this lack of agreement, regretting that “it seems that they cannot agree on anything.”

Aesleme insists that this measure has no ideological or social class overtones. A road accident, they remembered, does not discriminate. The proposal to reduce the blood alcohol level was a matter of public health and collective responsibility, a logical and necessary step to protect all citizens.

This Wednesday's vote in the Congress of Deputies leaves a scar in the fight for road safety in Spain. Victims' associations and advocates for safer driving hope that this disappointment will serve as an impetus for future initiatives and that common sense will prevail in defense of life on our roads. The question that remains in the air is: when will everyone's safety be prioritized over political differences?

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Frequently Asked Questions about the Lowering of the Driving Alcohol Limit:

1. What was the Government's proposal on the blood alcohol level?

The proposal sought to lower the maximum limit of the permitted blood alcohol level from 0.5 grams per liter in blood to 0.2 grams per liter, unifying it for all drivers.

2. Who voted against the proposal?

The Popular Party, Vox and Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya voted against the measure.

3. Why was this measure considered important?

It was based on data showing that alcohol is present in one in three fatal accidents and that almost half of the drivers killed had been drinking or taking drugs.

4. What do accident victim associations think?

They have expressed astonishment, great disgust and disappointment, calling the decision “an outrage” and “totally anachronistic.”

5. What was the measure looking for for drivers?

Unify the alcohol limit for all drivers, eliminating the differences between novices and professionals.

6. What percentage of deceased drivers had consumed alcohol or drugs?

Almost half of the drivers killed in traffic accidents.

7. How does the proposed measure compare with other countries?

It is compared to the European trend, where other surrounding countries have already implemented similar or even lower limits.

8. What is the current blood alcohol level in Spain for the majority of drivers?

The maximum allowed rate is 0.5 grams per liter in blood.

9. What political party was promoting the proposal?

The socialist initiative, promoted by the Government.

10. What message do the victims' associations send after the vote?

They regret the lack of political consensus and the prioritization of ideological differences on road safety, calling for reflection on the importance of saving lives.

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