More controls to cut down speeding and drunk driving

THE traffic authorities have set up more control points on Balearic roads, especially the fast roads, in an effort to cut down on speeding and drunk driving, director Francisco Ruiz de Peralta said yesterday. Sixty eight people were killed outright in 61 traffic accidents in the Balearics in the first six months of the year, while 45 people were seriously injured, and four more died as a result of injuries sustained in accidents. These figures lead the authorities to think that last year's death toll of 91 persons will be passed before the end of the year.
Peralta said that the number of deaths in June, four, was lower than the same month last year, but “this is no cause to celebrate” he added, and the traffic police will continue to tighten up controls. The controls include a Guardia Civil helicopter and a medical team to treat people at the accident site.
Peralta said that although the number of controls had been increased, drivers receive prior warning, as the objective is to increase road safety, not boost the number of fines.
SAFETY
According to Miguel Maria Muñoz, chairman of the Spanish Roads Association, the extensive road building being carried out by the Balearic government will improve safety and put an end to the poor road structure in the islands. He maintained that building the motorways planned with the Balearics was “compatible” with sustainability and the protection of the environment. He was in Palma to present the 25th Roads Week, which will be held in Palma from October 25 to 29.