If you are crossing the road on the Costa Blanca, it might be time to put your phone away. Authorities in Spain are stepping up enforcement against pedestrians using their mobiles while crossing the street, and fines are already being issued.
What many people see as a harmless habit is now under scrutiny, as officials focus more on pedestrian safety in towns and cities across the country.
€80 fine for mobile use while crossing
The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has launched a campaign targeting pedestrians who cross roads while looking at their mobile phones.
This includes crossing at zebra crossings, even when pedestrians technically have priority.
Using a mobile phone while crossing the road is now classed as a minor offence, with fines of €80.
The good news is that there are no penalty points, even if the person holds a driving licence. However, the fine alone is designed to encourage safer behaviour.
Why Spain is tightening the rules
The move comes after growing concern about pedestrian safety. According to traffic authorities, 20% to 30% of serious urban accidents involve pedestrians being hit by vehicles.
Officials say distracted walking is becoming more common, particularly among younger people, and they want to change habits before more accidents occur.
The danger of distracted walking
Studies show that using a smartphone while walking significantly reduces awareness.
Experts say:
- Peripheral vision can drop by up to 95%
- Reaction times increase by 1.5 to 2 seconds
- Situational awareness drops dramatically
In traffic situations, those few seconds can make the difference between crossing safely and being involved in an accident.
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