From Radars to Equipment: All the Details of the DGT's Setup for Travelling to the MotoGP Grand Prix in Jerez

On the occasion of the Spanish Motorcycle Grand Prix at the Jerez Circuit on April 25, 26, and 27, the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT), in collaboration with local councils and various involved administrations, has launched a special surveillance and assistance operation for the thousands of motorcyclists travelling from across Spain and other European countries to the circuit.

Over 350,000 journeys are expected, necessitating a massive police deployment. Special surveillance measures will be active from Thursday, April 24, in anticipation of travel for preliminary training sessions, and will continue throughout the weekend. The DGT has prepared a special surveillance and traffic assistance operation around the Jerez Circuit, involving hundreds of Civil Guard Traffic Group agents, DGT officials, and technicians for the installation and maintenance of special measures. Over the four days, aerial surveillance will be intensified on the most frequented routes by fans travelling to Jerez to prevent risky behaviour.

As technical support, professionals have helicopters, drones, four and two-wheeled vehicles, not forgetting fixed and section radars installed on roads, complemented by a special information analysis and control device through social networks and websites to detect offences, with the Alertcops app, which this year includes specific improvements for the circuit and is more intuitive for users, as well as the installation of a Purple Point to assist people reporting sexual offences.

Nocturnal surveillance flights will also be conducted, as well as reporting all types of infractions, including speeding, through image recording. From tomorrow, alcohol and drug checks around the circuit will be increased to deter consumption and driving.

Before embarking on a long journey, it is necessary to perform some small checks on the motorcycle. We can do this check ourselves, reviewing: the battery charge level, the condition of the tyres - both pressure and tread wear -, the oil level - remember it should be changed once a year -, the coolant and brake fluid, and the correct functioning of the lights.

Despite the limited space on a motorcycle, we should always reserve room for two very important kits: the tool kit and the first aid kit. In the first, it is advisable to carry a puncture repair kit, a compressor, a multi-tool, some cable ties, duct tape, and spare bulbs, fuses, and oil. In the second, we should include the basics, gauze, bandages, scissors, hydrogen peroxide, and adhesive tape.

In addition to emergency kits, for a long journey, we will always carry a lot of luggage, so it is essential to ensure the load is well distributed before starting the route. It is crucial that the weight is distributed similarly on both sides to avoid imbalances, and that the suitcases are watertight and waterproof, so the luggage does not get wet in case of rain. On long trips, suitcases tend to move, so it is essential to ensure they are well secured.

When it comes time to get on the motorcycle, one must be aware of the responsibility, not only of the rider but also towards other road users. Therefore, it is important to consider a series of factors before setting off, such as technique, the condition of the motorcycle, the traffic flow, and, above all, the equipment.

The body of motorcyclists bears the full impact. Therefore, approved protective gear (gloves, trousers, boots, full-face helmet, jacket, or airbag vest) can reduce injuries, fractures, burns, and abrasions to the skin or muscles.

In Spain, according to the DGT, only the use of a helmet is mandatory, an element in continuous evolution: now offering greater protection in the event of side collisions and greater comfort for all types of external temperatures, in addition to integrating less rigid shells and liners to absorb maximum energy at lower and more frequent impact speeds. In fact, 80% of motorcycle fatalities are due to head injuries.

However, the fact that the rest of the gear, jacket, gloves, boots... is not mandatory does not mean it should not be used. Moreover, it should be used in any circumstance and time of year, whether on short trips or long journeys.