Alcohol, drugs, using a mobile phone while driving: police officers mobilized for road safety in Saint-Jean-de-Védas

License, registration card, insurance and blood alcohol level were systematically checked. Midi Libre – GIACOMO ITALIANO

The operation took place at the Condamine roundabout in Saint-Jean-de-Védas, a busy traffic area near the A709 motorway. Midi Libre – GIACOMO ITALIANO

The prefect's chief of staff was present alongside the gendarmes of the Departmental Road Safety Squadron. Midi Libre – GIACOMO ITALIANO

A check operation took place this Thursday, December 26 in the afternoon, at the Condamine roundabout, at the exit of the A709 motorway. The gendarmes noted and issued fines for various infractions. Other checks are scheduled in the coming days.

Road checks by law enforcement officers are increasing during the holiday season. The traffic on certain roads justifies increased vigilance regarding compliance with safety regulations.

This Thursday, December 26, the gendarmes of the Departmental Road Safety Squadron (EDSR) conducted an operation at the Condamine roundabout, at the exit of the A709 motorway, in Saint-Jean-de-Védas. In the crosshairs, speeding, dangerous maneuvers, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and using the phone while driving.

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Road checks every day

“We are here on a very busy roundabout, which can cause accidents. Checks will increase daily over the next few days, especially on the evening of December 31st”, indicated the chief of staff of the prefect of Hérault, Thibaut Félix, present with the gendarmes, including squadron leader Stéphane You, commander of the EDSR 34.

During this random check, the gendarmes applied the same protocol for each car stopped: checking the driving license and insurance, and testing for alcohol, or even drug use. “A lack of license has already been noted”, specified the commander of the EDSR at the start of the operation. “The requisition of the public prosecutor also allows us to check the contents of the trunks of the cars.”

On this occasion, the prefect's chief of staff also provided an initial assessment of road accidents in the Hérault department (see box). While fewer people will be killed in 2024 than last year, the number of accidents is on the rise.

More injured on the roads of Hérault in 2024

The prefect's chief of staff, Thibaut Félix, provided an initial assessment of road accidents in the Hérault department (see box). This Thursday, December 26, an initial assessment of road accidents in Hérault during the year 2024. While the number of people killed (52) is down compared to 2023, the number of injured (978) is on the other hand on the rise, as is the number of accidents recorded: 775. “Behind these accidents, we find “every time the same behaviors: alcohol, drugs, speed, with events that happen in a second” , warns the chief of staff of the prefect, in a period that is about to experience significant crossroads on the roads. The end-of-year holidays, “which are among the most critical times in terms of alcohol and drug consumption”, are therefore subject to an intensification of road checks.