Like many other obligations, passing the technical inspection of vehicles (ITV) is not well seen by many drivers who consider it one more procedure that must be carried out periodically and that involves an outlay of money. To change this perception, the Spanish Association of Collaborating Entities of the Administration in the Technical Inspection of Vehicles AECA-ITV has presented its first communication campaign with the purpose of making society aware of the important work carried out by the ITV in reducing deceased in road accidents and due to the effects of pollution, avoiding social and economic damage.
With the slogan “If you don’t pass, pass it on”, the campaign will be broadcast throughout Spain on radio, television, internet and ITV stations over six weeks, although it could be extended depending on the results achieved. “There are things that can be passed, but the ITV is not one of them”, is the key message.
What’s behind this campaign
The ITV has a direct relationship with the reduction of the accident rate. Specifically, it prevents 17,700 road accidents per year, 12,100 injuries, 133 deaths and a cost of 329 million euros. It also reduces the impact of vehicles on the environment and in this sense avoids 406 deaths and a cost valued at 485 million euros. These are updated data from the study ‘Contribution of the ITV to road safety and the environment’ carried out by the Carlos III University of Madrid.
On the other hand, according to data from the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), passenger cars involved in road accidents with more than 10 years and without ITV in 2020 increased by 88% compared to the previous year. In the case of industrial vehicles of more than 3,500 kilos, the increase was 176%, while those of less than 3,500 kilos increased by 109%.
And it is that absenteeism in the ITV broke record figures in 2021 when it reached 40%, which represents more than double the worst data obtained so far, when it was around 20%: 4 out of 10 vehicles did not pass the mandatory ITV .
These data are the main reason why the AECA-ITV association has decided to launch its first national campaign to change the perception of this review, whose main objective is to guarantee minimum safety requirements for vehicles in circulation and emissions contaminants.
The condition of the vehicle, a key factor
Guillermo Magaz, managing director of AECA-ITV, during his speech wanted to make it clear that “passing the ITV is an act of responsibility with ourselves, those who accompany us in the car and with the rest of the users who circulate on a road. We have to think about protecting ourselves, protecting the rest and also protecting the planet. But it is also having foresight in order to avoid problems such as suffering an accident and that the insurance company does not cover the damages for not having the ITV in force”.
In addition to the communication campaign in the media, the ITV stations will also enhance their role in raising awareness about the importance of driving a vehicle in good condition. “During the inspection, more than 500 inspection points are assessed in a short space of time. Even so, an attempt is made to explain the consequences of any detected defect. Many of the drivers are grateful when you explain it to them because they understand that it is for their safety”, explains Guillermo Magaz.
The ITV is a mandatory review for all vehicles registered in the DGT registry. Therefore, they must pass it when it corresponds to them according to their registration date, even if they are in an unused garage, although there is a ruling on this fact that clarifies this regulation. It must be borne in mind that, in addition to human behavior and infrastructure, the behavior and condition of the vehicle is a key factor in road accidents. And the figures so far this year are not good at all: 229 deaths in 2022, 40% more than in the same period in 2021.
Links that may interest you:
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Prices to pass the ITV by Autonomous Communities in 2022.
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The inspection can be carried out up to 30 days before the deadline to maintain the expiration date.
- In this link we explain what the ITV consists of.
- News that apply to the ITV from June 2021
