Distracted driving: the leading cause of road accidents

Distractions behind the wheel have overtaken speeding and drunk driving as the primary cause of traffic fatalities in Spain.

Mobile phones top the list of driver distractions

A glance at a mobile phone while driving is equivalent to not seeing the road for several meters, making it one of the most dangerous driving habits.

According to data from the Spanish National Police, 404,258 vehicles were inspected last year, with mobile phone use identified as the most common distraction. However, other seemingly innocuous actions can also lead to accidents.

Opening the glove compartment to retrieve items, eating or drinking while driving, engaging in conversations, and even glancing at a phone mounted on the dashboard can all divert a driver's attention from the road.

The consequences of these distractions can be fatal. In fact, the new Spanish Traffic Law, which came into effect in 2022, has increased penalties for mobile phone use while driving. A first-time offender can face a 200 euro fine and lose six points from their driving license.

Other distractions, such as consuming food and drink, or fiddling with in-car systems, can result in fines ranging from 80 to 200 euros, with no points deducted. Authorities stress the importance of maintaining constant attention while driving and avoiding any action that might take a driver's eyes off the road, no matter how brief.