Else Beekman
Overtaking on Spain’s secondary roads has become markedly more dangerous since a controversial change to the country’s traffic regulations came into force. A recent study reveals that fatal accidents linked to overtaking manoeuvres rose by more than 54% in just one year.
The reform came into effect in 2022.It removed the long-standing rule that allowed drivers to exceed the speed limit by up to 20 km/h when overtaking on conventional roads. The initiators of the reform claimed the change would improve safety. However, evidence shows it has had the opposite effect.
Fewer safe opportunities to overtake
According to research led by Professor Juan José Alba López of the University of Zaragoza, drivers are now forced to spend more time travelling in the oncoming lane to complete an overtake. This longer exposure significantly increases the risk of head-on collisions, especially on Spain’s extensive network of narrow, single carriageways.
The study, presented in March this year, examined accident statistics for 2023, the first full year under the new law. It found a record 418 crashes caused by illegal overtaking and 700 incidents during legal overtakes—both the highest figures ever recorded.
In total, fatalities linked to illegal overtaking rose by 123%, while deaths during legal overtakes climbed by 54.5% compared to 2022. The number of serious injuries also increased sharply.
A reform without technical evidence
Perhaps most strikingly, Professor Alba noted that the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) introduced the measure without any prior technical study to justify the change. He described the policy as an “experiment based on trial and error” and criticised it for contradicting the DGT’s own previous recommendations on safe overtaking.
According to the report, one of the motives behind the reform was to simplify enforcement using average-speed cameras. Now, the lack of supporting evidence has raised debate over whether safety was truly the main objective.
Calls to reverse the measure
The findings cause renewed calls for the authorities to review the legislation. Alba’s study urges the DGT to annul the reform. Furthermore, he demands a focus on evidence-based strategies that genuinely reduce risk. He also highlights the need for better driver education on how to overtake safely and how to facilitate overtaking by other vehicles.
With road deaths rising, campaigners argue that Spain cannot afford policies that potentially endanger lives. As more data emerges, pressure is likely to grow for a thorough review.
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