The Guardia Civil has launched a special surveillance plan in the Balearics targeting motorcyclists, with the aim of curbing the rise in road accidents as the summer season begins – a period in which traffic on the region’s roads increases significantly.
The Traffic Division activated the operation this month, coinciding with the arrival of good weather and the forecast of a high influx of tourists, with nearly seven million visitors expected during May, which multiplies the number of vehicles on the road network, the Guardia Civil reported in a statement.
The plan focuses on motorcyclists and moped riders, considered one of the most vulnerable groups, with the highest risk of being involved in accidents and suffering serious injuries. In recent years, the number of these vehicles has grown significantly in the Balearics, accompanied by a rise in accident rates, with a high proportion of accidents resulting in serious injuries.
The operation involves increased police presence on the stretches of road most frequented by motorcyclists, particularly on conventional roads and at weekends, when the highest number of accidents occur. Checks will also be extended to weekdays during rush hour, when motorcycles are used as an alternative to cars.
Officers will focus their surveillance on the main risk factors, such as the correct use of helmets, compliance with speed limits, improper overtaking and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Attention will also be paid to behaviours such as distractions, failure to give way or insufficient safety distance, which are behind the majority of accidents.