Over 60 police officers to patrol Atlantic roads during holiday weekend targeting drunk drivers
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Over 60 police officers will patrol Atlantic roads during the holiday weekend to prevent drunk driving and accidents.
- Authorities expect 70,000 vehicles and are increasing alcohol checks on major routes.
- The operation, 'No More Excuses on the Road,' targets high-risk behaviors including speeding and dangerous maneuvers.
More than 60 police officers are conducting patrols on the roads of the Atlantic department to enhance road safety during the upcoming holiday weekend. The Atlantic Police have launched a special road safety plan aimed at reducing traffic accidents, with a particular focus on detecting drivers under the influence of alcohol, a leading cause of crashes in Colombia. The operation, named 'No More Excuses on the Road,' will be active until Monday, July 13.
Authorities anticipate the mobilization of approximately 70,000 vehicles across the department's main corridors. To address this, they have intensified controls, deploying specialized equipment for alcohol tests. The police presence will be concentrated at seven strategic points along routes that typically experience high traffic volume during long weekends. Key areas include the Vรญa al Mar, Vรญa de la Cordialidad, Vรญa Oriental, and Vรญa Prosperidad, with checkpoints at various tolls and entry points.
Beyond alcohol detection using three breathalyzers, the operation will target other high-risk driving behaviors. This includes monitoring for excessive speeding, illegal overtaking, dangerous maneuvers, and general non-compliance with traffic regulations. The police will also inspect motorcycles and public transport vehicles to ensure they meet technical standards and safety requirements, checking for proper documentation and mechanical condition. This comprehensive approach aims to mitigate factors that increase accident risks for travelers.
Originally published by El Tiempo in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.