During the morning of this Thursday, authorities announced a reinforcement plan for inspections ahead of the upcoming long weekend, stating that there will be "total inflexibility" and that more than 40 operations will be conducted nationwide. The Undersecretary of the Interior, Máximo Pavez, stated that "we have asked Carabineros de Chile for total inflexibility in traffic controls this weekend; anyone caught under the influence of alcohol or in a state of intoxication or using illegal substances will be severely punished. " Meanwhile, the acting director of Senda, Gilda San Martín, announced that more than 40 operations will be carried out nationwide, planned in coordination with Carabineros, presidential delegations, and regional offices.
"The challenge, as the undersecretary mentioned, is to minimize the possibility of traffic accidents caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The message is to strengthen the campaign, another plan that invites us to plan our trips, family gatherings, and celebrations, always anticipating and planning for a safe return," she added. Carabineros projected that more than 450,000 vehicles will leave the Metropolitan Region during these days, which will result in high traffic flow on highways.
In light of this scenario, they will increase police presence on main routes, secondary roads, and bus terminals. They also reminded that during the same long weekend in 2025, seven people died in traffic accidents, reiterating the call to avoid risky behaviors such as speeding, using a cellphone while driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Finally, the executive secretary of Conaset, Alberto Escobar, stated that "six out of ten drivers who cause traffic accidents do so due to their irresponsibility, reckless behavior; of that, 29% corresponds to speeding, and 70% of traffic accidents occur in rural areas and secondary roads.
" On this occasion, the undersecretary was also asked about the questions raised regarding the government spokesperson, Mara Sedini, who stated that Galvarino Apablaza was convicted. "We are a team and cannot lose focus," said the undersecretary, adding that "the focus is to comply with the judicial system and ensure that both the police of Argentina and the Chilean Investigative Police remain coordinated to execute the arrest warrant against Galvarino Apablaza so that he can face justice in Chile. That is the essence, that is the government's concern, and we also appreciate the prompt reaction of the Argentine government in this matter.