Operation “Christmas and New Year 2024/2025” by the National Republican Guard (GNR) recorded 617 road accidents between December 27th and 30th, resulting in five fatalities, 15 serious injuries and 201 minor injuries. This balance presents a significant increase compared to the same period last year, which saw one fatal victim and seven serious injuries.
In the Algarve, the most serious occurrence was recorded in the town of Pico Alto, parish of São Bartolomeu de Messines, municipality of Silves. A 64-year-old man lost his life after an accident on Monday night, at 8:39 pm, according to the District Relief Operations Command. This was one of four fatal accidents recorded nationally, along with others in Viseu, Leiria and Lisbon. The fifth fatality was caused by a collision in Sergipe.
National and regional inspection results
During this period, it inspected 43,677 drivers across the country. 256 drivers were caught drinking excessively, of which 157 were arrested for having a blood alcohol content equal to or greater than 1.2 g/l. Additionally, 83 drivers were caught driving without a license.
The authorities also recorded 9,980 infractions, with the highest incidence being speeding (1,962 infractions), incorrect use of seat belts or child restraint systems (237 infractions) and lack of mandatory periodic inspection (788 infractions). In the Algarve, the operation had a similar focus, with intensive inspection on the region’s main roads.
Ongoing prevention during the New Year
The GNR reinforced that the operation will extend to monitoring infractions related to the consumption of alcohol and psychotropic substances, as well as the use of cell phones while driving. Special attention will be given to overtaking and giving way maneuvers, aiming to reduce accidents on Portuguese roads, including in the Algarve, a particularly busy region at this time of year.
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