96% of Drivers Testing Positive for Alcohol or Drugs Were Detected in Preventive Checks

Between 14 and 20 July 2025, the Guardia Civil’s Traffic Division conducted a nationwide campaign of 210,957 alcohol and drug tests, of which 4,234 drivers tested positive. Remarkably, over 600 drivers per day were identified as under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The vast majority—96% of these positive cases—were discovered through preventive controls, rather than as a result of infractions, accidents, or visible symptoms.

Alcohol Detection

Out of 205,103 alcohol tests, 2,232 drivers tested positive:

• 2,019 detected at preventive checkpoints
• 78 following infractions
• 127 due to involvement in accidents
• 8 through symptomatic evidence of consumption

Of these, 246 drivers were referred for judicial proceedings by exceeding the limit of 0.60 mg/l in breath, and 13 were judicially reported for refusing the test.

Drug Detection

Among 5,854 drug tests, 2,248 returned positive results:

• 2,016 found via preventive checks
• 120 post-infraction
• 112 after involvement in accidents

From these, 18 drivers were brought before judicial authorities for drug-impaired driving. The most commonly detected substances were cannabis (1,634 cases), cocaine (822 cases), and amphetamines (231 cases).

Preventive Measures with Real Impact

Beyond enforcement, the campaign served as a vital tool for raising awareness. It detected 4,407 drivers who were under the influence but remained within legal limits; most of these—4,130 drivers—were identified through preventive checks.

It underscores a critical message: even low levels of alcohol pose increased risks, as total abstinence remains the only truly safe option. Alcohol continues to be the second most common factor in fatal traffic accidents, present in 29 % of such cases.

Ongoing Vigilance

The Guardia Civil will maintain these random and preventive operations across both urban and interurban roads, especially as regional festivities approach. The objective remains clear: proactively deter impaired driving and safeguard public safety.