Lorraine Williamson
January closed with 83 fatalities from road traffic accidents across Spain, seven fewer than in January 2024, according to data from the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT). This decrease occurred despite a 5% rise in mobility, with 33.87 million long-distance journeys recorded.
While overall fatalities dropped, pedestrian deaths saw a sharp increase. Fourteen pedestrians were killed, ten more than in the same month last year. Nine of these deaths occurred on conventional roads, while five happened on motorways and dual carriageways.
Decline in head-on collisions and motorcyclist fatalities
Fatalities from all types of collisions declined, with head-on collisions showing the most significant decrease. Ten people died in head-on crashes, 13 fewer than in January 2024. Motorcyclist deaths also fell, with 13 fatalities recorded—11 fewer than the same month last year.
Deaths among car and van occupants decreased as well. However, 13 of the deceased were not using the appropriate safety systems at the time of the accidents—11 in cars and two in vans.
Bicycle fatalities double, road deaths on motorways unchanged
The number of cyclists killed doubled from two in January 2024 to four this year. Meanwhile, fatalities on motorways and dual carriageways remained constant. In contrast, deaths on conventional roads decreased by eight compared to the previous year.
Regional differences: Canary Islands see biggest increase
By region, Andalucia and Catalonia recorded the highest number of fatalities. However, the Canary Islands experienced the most significant increase in deaths.
Weekend fatalities: 14 dead in three days
Over the weekend from Friday, 31 January to Sunday, 2 February, 14 people died in 13 fatal accidents on interurban roads. Six fatalities occurred on high-capacity roads, while eight were on conventional roads.
Among the deceased, six were vulnerable road users—four motorcyclists and two pedestrians. Three of the motorcyclists died on conventional roads, while both pedestrians were killed on motorways or dual carriageways.
The accidents were spread across several regions, including Albacete, Alicante, the Balearic Islands, Barcelona, Castellón, Huesca, Jaén, Madrid, Málaga, Navarre, and Valencia.
Year-to-date figures slightly up
So far in 2025, 97 people have died on Spanish roads, one more than during the same period last year.
Safety systems remain a critical factor
The DGT data highlights the continued importance of safety measures. Thirteen of January’s fatalities were not wearing seat belts, underlining the role of safety compliance in reducing road deaths.