Bulgaria Police Active in European Road Safety Campaign

Bulgarian police are participating in a pan-European campaign directed against drivers caught under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Photo by BGNES

The Bulgarian Interior Ministry has warned on Monday of the start of an intensive police operation targeting drunk and drugged drivers.

The week-long campaign, between December 7 and 13, is Bulgaria’s contribution to a pan-European operation organized by the European Traffic Police Network (TISPOL).

Statistics show that a significant proportion of serious road accidents across Europe, particularly those with large numbers of casualties and severe injuries, are caused by drivers who have consumed alcohol or drugs.

In a similar operation in 2008, more than 1 M checks of drivers were made by police in 24 countries, resulting in 14 185 violations regarding drink-driving, with 939 drivers found to be under the influence of drugs.

According to TISPOL, deaths from driving in 2008 in Bulgaria totaled 1 061 (stated population – 8 M). Sweden, with a larger population (9 M), recorded 396 deaths, while the UK (61 M) showed a figure of 2 538.

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