Lorraine Williamson
MADRID – May has seen a distressing rise in traffic-related fatal accidents across Spain, as reported by the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT).
A total of 92 people lost their lives in 83 fatal traffic accidents, marking an increase of nine fatalities compared to May 2023. This spike occurred amid a 6.3% increase in mobility, with over 39 million long-distance trips recorded.
Key Findings
- Fatal Accidents by Road Type: The distribution of fatalities remains consistent, with conventional roads being the deadliest. 76% of the fatalities occurred on these roads, compared to 24% on motorways and expressways.
- Pedestrian Fatalities: Tragically, five out of seven pedestrian deaths happened on motorways and expressways.
- Safety Non-compliance: Eight of the deceased were not using appropriate safety measures at the time of the accident. This includes seven individuals in cars and vans, and one motorcyclist not wearing a helmet.
Breakdown by Mode of Transport
- Cars and Vans: There was a notable increase in fatalities among car and van users.
- Motorcycles: Motorcyclist fatalities saw a minor increase from 26 to 27.
- Pedestrians and Cyclists: There was a slight rise in pedestrian and cyclist deaths, with seven pedestrians and four cyclists dying in May.
Regional Variations
- Andalucia: Experienced a significant increase in fatalities, with 18 deaths compared to nine in the previous year.
- Extremadura, Navarra, Ceuta, and Melilla: These regions reported no fatalities in May.
- Other Regions: Various changes were noted across other regions, with some seeing increases and others decreases in traffic fatalities.
Weekend Fatalities
The last weekend of May was particularly deadly, with 16 people dying in 13 accidents. High-capacity roads and conventional roads each claimed eight lives. Vulnerable road users, including six motorcyclists and two cyclists, were among the fatalities.
The accidents occurred in several locations, including Alicante, Almería, Ávila, Cuenca, León, Madrid, Ourense, Asturias, Pontevedra, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tarragona, and Zaragoza.
Year-to-Date Statistics
As of the end of May, 445 people have died on Spanish roads in 2024, which is 26 more than in the same period last year.
The DGT continues to urge all road users to adhere to safety protocols, including the use of seat belts and helmets, and to exercise caution, especially on conventional roads where the majority of fatalities occur. The increase in mobility necessitates heightened vigilance and compliance with traffic regulations to prevent further loss of life.
Also read: Traffic service will check more strictly for dangerous driving habits