Portugal has launched a nationwide “Zero Tolerance at the Wheel” campaign, intensifying efforts to curb driving under the influence (DUI) which remains a leading cause of fatal road accidents in the country. The initiative, focusing heavily on alcohol-related enforcement, runs through November 10.
Globally, road fatalities are a significant public health issue, with an estimated 1.35 million people dying each year in traffic incidents.
In Portugal, driving under the influence of alcohol is responsible for more than one in five deaths in road accidents. Authorities emphasize that alcohol consumption severely impairs drivers.
It diminishes the visual field, delays decision-making and reaction times, and leads to poor motor coordination. A blood alcohol content (BAC) of just 0.05 g/l doubles the risk of a severe or fatal accident.
The campaign highlights that the exact relationship between alcohol consumed and BAC varies based on individual factors. These include age, gender, weight, height, metabolism, and food intake.
Portuguese authorities issued a joint statement detailing the severity of the problem. In 2023, one in four drivers who died in road accidents had a BAC equal to or greater than 0.05 g/l.
Furthermore, three out of four of these drivers had a BAC equal to or greater than 0.12 g/l, indicating severe intoxication. They warned that driving under the influence causes disturbances in cognitive function and information processing.
The “Zero Tolerance at the Wheel” campaign is a collaborative effort. It is organized by the National Road Safety Authority (ANSR), the Public Security Police (PSP), and the National Republican Guard (GNR).
Enforcement actions are planned across several regions. They include Andrães in the Vila Real district, Chaves, Pombal, and Alcobaça in the Leiria district. The campaign will also include enforcement in Tunes, located in the Silves municipality of the Faro district, on November 10.