The two road accidents that occurred in Bogotá in less than fifteen days, in which the motorcyclists Viviana Marcela Suárez and Carlos Mario Cavadía, as well as the minors Estefanía and Martín, died, once again drew public attention to the need for stricter controls regarding alcohol consumption while driving.
In both cases, those responsible were driving while intoxicated, a situation that represents one of the main historical causes of fatal accidents in the country. In the midst of citizen concern and with the approach of the Christmas season, the National Police announced a shock plan to reinforce road surveillance and prevention throughout the territory.
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In statements to The TimeGeneral Susana Blanco, Director of Traffic and Transportation of the National Police, stated that the investigations into the most recent accidents are being carried out with priority. As he explained, “investigations are progressing quickly. “We activate traffic criminalistics teams in each serious accident to ensure the necessary evidence that allows the facts to be clarified promptly.”.
He added that, after the first steps, “we have already managed to establish determining factors such as drunkenness, excess speed, dangerous maneuvers and non-compliance with the law,” and that all the findings are in the hands of the competent judicial authorities. The officer reiterated that there is an institutional commitment to prevent these events from being left without criminal consequences.
When consulted by the aforementioned medium about the necessary measures to reduce the number of deaths in traffic accidents, General Blanco stated verbatim that “the reduction of fatalities depends on a comprehensive strategy, emphasizing social responsibility, each citizen must be aware of their ethical commitment to life, and this ranges from preventive maintenance of your vehicle to respect for traffic rules and other road users.”
He added that two factors are essential: on the one hand, safe infrastructure, for which it is necessary to coordinate interventions with governorates and mayors; and on the other, strengthening controls, especially drunkenness tests and speed checks, that require greater rigor and territorial scope.
The general also referred to the factors that continue to generate the majority of accidents. As he pointed out, “The predominant causes are excessive speed, disrespect for signs and rules, driving under the influence of alcohol or substances and lack of preventive maintenance on vehicles and motorcycles”. He also stated that motorcyclists continue to be the most affected road actors, followed by pedestrians and, to a lesser extent, cyclists and drivers of private vehicles.
Faced with the discussion about the absence of sustained campaigns at the national level, Blanco stated verbatim that “road safety education must be a constant process, which forms habits and not temporary responses.”. He pointed out that the country has had valuable initiatives, but insisted that these must be maintained in the long term to generate real changes in the behavior of citizens.
He also responded to questions from experts who point out a decrease in technical processes in infrastructure and safe design. In his statementindicated that “safe mobility requires decisions based on evidence” and explained that the Police participate in technical tables with the Ministry of Transportationthe National Road Safety Agency and local authorities with the purpose of “strengthening road safety audits, updating signage guides and implementing engineering solutions in critical sections.”
Asked about reports of corruption at checkpoints and the lack of capacity in some transit agencies, the general stated verbatim that “corruption is a behavior that we reject head-on.” He explained that internal control mechanisms, disciplinary investigations and coordination with control entities have been reinforced to sanction bad practices.
In addition, he noted that the institution carries out training processes for municipal traffic bodies, in order to improve procedures and strengthen citizen trust through transparency, supervision and technological tools.
Given the usual increase in travel during December, the Police implemented a roadmap focused on operational presence and prevention. According to General Blanco, the strategy includes “strengthening of drunkenness tests, especially at night, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays”in addition to the “increase in speed controls supported by technological devices” and the implementation of “preventive mobile operations in areas with higher accident rates.”
The official added that agreements have been established with mayors’ offices to guarantee a greater presence in strategic corridors and reinforce local mobility actions.
Finally, the Director of Transit and Transportation sent a direct message to citizens. In his words, “the call is clear: take care of life, the best gift for December is to get home alive. Check your vehicle before traveling, respect the speed limits, do not drive tired and under no circumstances do so after consuming alcohol.” He concluded by pointing out that “most accidents are avoidable” and that each driver has the responsibility to protect their own integrity and that of those who share the road.
