Lorraine Williamson
Spain’s summer exodus is officially underway, with roads expected to see nearly 7 million trips this weekend alone. The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) launched its “Operación Especial 1º de agosto” at 3.00 pm on Thursday, anticipating one of the busiest stretches of the year on Spanish motorways.
The operation comes as July closed with a stark reminder of the dangers on Spain’s roads. A total of 112 people—36 of them motorcyclists—died in traffic accidents, prompting a renewed call for caution. The DGT has issued an urgent plea: don’t let your holiday end in tragedy.
A summer surge in movement
August marks the peak of Spain’s holiday season, and traffic authorities are forecasting a staggering 52.9 million journeys across the country by the end of the month. The coming days are set to be particularly intense, as departures from major cities coincide with July holidaymakers returning home and weekend travellers heading to coastal resorts.
According to the DGT, the bulk of outbound traffic began on Thursday afternoon and is expected to continue through Sunday night. Friday’s rush is projected to peak between 3.00 pm and midnight, with heavy congestion anticipated on roads leading to Spain’s most popular beach destinations and second homes.
Saturday morning (9am–2pm) will bring another wave of outbound traffic, while Sunday will see a shift in direction as holidaymakers begin to return. Return traffic is expected to be particularly dense between 4pm and 11pm on Sunday, especially on major routes leading back to urban centres. Some delays could extend into the early hours of Monday.
Added pressure from international transit
This summer’s operation also overlaps with the first phase of Operación Paso del Estrecho, which sees thousands of North African and Portuguese nationals travelling through Spain to reach their home countries. This additional pressure is especially noticeable on southern routes and border crossings.
All hands—and eyes—on the road
To manage the influx, the DGT has mobilised every resource at its disposal. This includes officers from the Guardia Civil’s traffic division, staff at traffic management centres, highway maintenance teams, and aerial patrols.
Advanced technology will play a key role. The network of fixed and mobile speed radars is being bolstered by helicopters, drones, surveillance vans, and cameras—all monitoring for speeding, mobile phone use, and seatbelt violations.
Temporary measures include reversible and additional lanes in high-traffic areas, alternative route planning, and the suspension of roadworks. Restrictions are also in place for lorries carrying hazardous materials and oversized loads, as well as for general freight traffic during peak hours.
Why summer driving is more dangerous
The DGT is urging motorists to be extra vigilant. Summer driving carries its own unique risks—secondary roads, which are statistically the deadliest, see far more use; night-time travel increases; and the roads connecting coastal towns and beaches become hotspots for bottlenecks and collisions.
There’s also a notable rise in cyclists and pedestrians on rural and coastal routes. Combined with driver fatigue, distraction, and high temperatures, it’s a volatile mix that demands heightened awareness behind the wheel.
Advice before you set off
Drivers are being encouraged to plan ahead, choose routes that avoid peak times, and ensure their vehicle is road-ready—tyres, brakes, lights, and fluids should all be checked. A good night’s sleep before travelling is essential, especially in hot weather, which accelerates fatigue.
During the journey, maintaining a safe following distance is critical, especially in traffic jams. Travelling with a full tank can prevent complications if you’re caught in tailbacks or extreme heat. All passengers must wear seatbelts or child restraint systems at all times. And crucially, distractions like mobile phones should be avoided altogether.
Live updates on road conditions and incidents are available via DGT’s official X accounts (@informacionDGT and @DGTes), national radio, television, and the 011 traffic information line.
Caution is the only guarantee
With millions on the move, the scale of this summer’s traffic operation is enormous—but safety ultimately comes down to personal responsibility. Authorities are clear: prudence, patience, and strict adherence to road rules are the only way to keep these holidays from turning tragic.
Whether you’re heading this summer, the message is simple—drive smart, stay safe, and make it to your destination without becoming a statistic.