Lorraine Williamson
Spain’s roads claimed 93 lives in June 2025—eleven fewer than the same month last year—even as long-distance travel soared. According to newly released figures from the DGT, traffic volumes rose by 5.5% compared to June 2024, with over 41.6 million long-distance journeys recorded.
Despite the increase in mobility, fatality figures trended in the opposite direction.
Private cars accounted for the most significant reduction in road deaths. Just 41 people lost their lives in cars—14 fewer than in June last year. The figures suggest a growing effectiveness in crash prevention or survival, possibly linked to improvements in vehicle safety and enforcement of seat belt laws.
Deadliest crash types show signs of improvement
Fatalities caused by frontal collisions dropped from 22 to 16, while deaths from vehicles veering off the road fell by a striking 25%, from 56 to 42. These two types of crashes have historically accounted for a large share of deaths on Spain’s roads, particularly on rural and single-lane highways.
Highways safer, but not for everyone
Motorways and dual carriageways saw fewer deaths this June (34 compared to 37 last year) than other interurban roads (59 compared to 67). Yet the data also reveals a worrying detail: five of the six pedestrians killed last month were struck on high-speed roads—areas where pedestrians should rarely be present.
Rise in motorcyclist and pedestrian fatalities
Not all the news was positive. Motorcyclist fatalities crept up to 33, and pedestrian deaths rose to six. The number of so-called vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, and motorbike riders—increased slightly to 43 overall, making up nearly half of the month’s victims.
A deadly price for ignoring safety gear
Ten of those who died were not using basic safety equipment at the time of the crash. Six car occupants and one van passenger weren’t wearing seat belts. Two motorcyclists and one cyclist were riding without helmets. These omissions remain a persistent, and preventable, factor in Spanish road deaths.
Middle-aged drivers see a concerning spike
The only age group to see an increase in fatalities was the 45–54 range. In June, 25 people in this age bracket lost their lives—nine more than the same period in 2024. All other age groups saw declines, highlighting the need for targeted interventions among middle-aged drivers.
Mixed results across Spain’s regions
Andalucia recorded the highest number of deaths this month (17), followed by Castilla y León (12). But the most notable shift came in Catalonia, where road deaths fell by more than half—from 18 to just 8. Extremadura, meanwhile, saw its death toll triple compared to last year’s June total.
2025 year-to-date figures show modest progress
So far in 2025, 519 people have died on Spanish roads—18 fewer than in the same period last year. While the trend is encouraging, the DGT warns against complacency, especially as the summer holiday season intensifies and traffic volumes continue to climb.
Summer enforcement ahead as pressure mounts
With the high season now under way, the DGT is stepping up its traffic control efforts. Dedicated campaigns targeting driver distraction, alcohol consumption, and speeding are already rolling out. Police are also cracking down on seat belt and helmet violations, issuing fines on the spot.
Officials say the June figures are a sign that their road safety strategies are working—but acknowledge that the margin for error is tightening as Spain edges closer to its Vision Zero targets.