Lorraine Williamson
A total of 107 people died in 97 fatal crashes on Spain’s interurban roads during July, prompting the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) to intensify speed enforcement as millions more drivers head onto the country’s roads during August.
Although the figure represents five fewer deaths than in July last year, the DGT says the summer holiday period continues to present one of the greatest road safety challenges of the year, with excessive speed remaining one of the main factors behind fatal collisions.
The latest provisional road safety figures show that almost 49.5 million long-distance journeys were made during July, an increase of around 2% compared with the same month in 2025.
Despite the slight improvement in the number of fatalities, the DGT noted that more than three people still lost their lives every day on Spain’s roads during the month. The July total is the second lowest recorded for the month since national records began, but officials say it underlines the need for continued vigilance during the busiest weeks of the summer.
The figures relate to fatalities occurring on Spain’s interurban road network within 24 hours of a collision.
Conventional roads remain the greatest concern
As in previous years, conventional roads continued to account for the majority of fatal collisions.
The DGT said many of the deaths involved vehicles leaving the carriageway or head-on collisions, while vulnerable road users, including motorcyclists and cyclists, continued to feature prominently in the monthly figures.
Seat belt use also remains a concern. Several vehicle occupants who died during July were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision, despite repeated safety campaigns highlighting its importance.
DGT increases speed enforcement
With August expected to bring another surge in holiday traffic, the DGT and Guardia Civil have launched an intensified speed enforcement campaign across Spain.
The operation forms part of the European ROADPOL initiative and will see additional speed checks carried out on motorways, dual carriageways and conventional roads, where many of the most serious collisions occur.
According to the DGT, inappropriate or excessive speed continues to be a contributing factor in more than one in four fatal crashes, making it one of the principal causes of death on Spain’s roads.
Millions more journeys expected this month
Traffic volumes are expected to remain exceptionally high throughout August as holidaymakers continue travelling to coastal destinations, rural areas and major tourist attractions.
The DGT is urging motorists to plan journeys carefully, avoid unnecessary risks, obey speed limits and take regular breaks on long journeys. Drivers are also reminded to check vehicle condition before setting off, particularly tyres, brakes and lights, as high temperatures can place additional strain on vehicles.
Authorities have also warned that enforcement activity will not be limited to speed offences. Officers will continue carrying out checks for drink and drug driving, seat belt use, distractions caused by mobile phones and other dangerous driving behaviours.
Small improvements, but no room for complacency
While the reduction in fatalities compared with July last year is encouraging, the DGT says every death on Spain’s roads remains one too many.
With millions more journeys still expected before the end of the summer, officials say reducing speed, avoiding distractions and planning journeys responsibly remain the simplest ways drivers can help prevent further tragedies.