November closed with a total of 87 fatalities from road accidents in Spain, according to the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT). Despite a reduction in accidents during the first half of the month, there were two days in the latter half when 10 people lost their lives each day.
This tragic tally comes despite a 6% increase in traffic movements compared to the previous year.
Vulnerable road users fatalities drop significantly
One of the few positives this month was a significant drop in fatalities among vulnerable road users. The number of deaths decreased to 25, compared to 45 during the same period last year. This reduction was largely driven by fewer pedestrian and motorcyclist fatalities. Motorcyclist fatalities dropped notably, with 13 deaths compared to 25 in November 2023, marking a major improvement for conventional roads.
The number of pedestrian fatalities also saw a sharp decline, falling from 16 last November to just 6 this year.
Decline in head-on collision fatalities, seat belt use still concerning
Fatalities from head-on collisions were also lower this year, with 14 deaths compared to 23 in November 2023. However, the lack of seat belt use remains an issue, with 12 victims not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. Eleven of these fatalities were in cars and one in a van.
Overall increase in fatalities for 2024 so far
The number of road fatalities since the beginning of 2024 has reached 1,062, representing 17 more deaths compared to the same period last year. During November, there were 72 fatal accidents, resulting in 87 deaths. While this figure represents 11 fewer deaths than November 2023, it occurred during a period where long-distance travel increased by 6%, with 34.5 million movements recorded.
An irregular month for road safety
November was marked by irregularity in road safety. The first half of the month saw just 20 deaths, and on the 4th, 5th, and 6th of November, there were no fatalities at all. However, the second half was markedly worse, with two days (November 17 and 23) each witnessing 10 fatalities. Other notable days included one with 8 deaths and another with 7, far exceeding the daily average of 3.
A concerning 77% of these fatalities occurred on conventional roads. The reduction in motorcyclist deaths was especially significant on these roads, with 9 fatalities this November compared to 21 last year.
Seat belt use: A persistent problem
Despite numerous awareness campaigns, seat belt use continues to be an issue. Twelve of the fatalities this month involved people not wearing a seat belt, including 11 car occupants and one van user.
Regional disparities in road safety
The regions of Balearic Islands, Galicia, and Catalonia reported increases in road fatalities this month, whereas other regions saw a decline. Overall, the majority of fatalities on weekends were vulnerable road users.
Between Friday, November 29, and Sunday, December 1, there were 16 fatal accidents, resulting in 18 deaths. More than half of these were vulnerable road users, including 4 pedestrians, 1 cyclist, and 5 motorcyclists.
Where fatal accidents occurred
Seven of the weekend fatalities occurred on motorways or highways, while 11 were on conventional roads. The accidents included 6 incidents involving vehicles leaving the road, 6 collisions, and 4 pedestrian fatalities.
The municipalities and provinces where these fatal accidents took place included Almansa (Albacete), Elche and Xaló (Alicante), Puerto Real (Cádiz), Guadahortuna and Molvízar (Granada), Alcalá la Real (Jaén), Málaga (Málaga), Paradas (Seville), Villarejo de Salvanés (Madrid), Villares de la Reina (Salamanca), Los Yébenes (Toledo), Rotgla i Corbera (Valencia), Erandio (Bizkaia), and Bárboles and Zuera (Zaragoza).
A year marked by an increase in fatalities
As of now, 2024 has recorded 1,062 fatalities on Spanish roads—17 more than the same period last year. The rise in accidents and fatalities underscores the importance of continuous road safety campaigns and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to protect all road users.
The importance of using seat belts
Wearing a seat belt is one of the simplest and most effective ways to save lives on the road. Despite this, many people still fail to buckle up, leading to preventable fatalities. In November alone, 12 people lost their lives because they were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. Studies have consistently shown that seat belts significantly reduce the risk of death or serious injury in a crash. They keep occupants secure, preventing them from being thrown from the vehicle or colliding with the interior. Authorities urge all drivers and passengers to use seat belts on every journey, regardless of distance or speed. The proper use of seat belts can mean the difference between life and death, and it’s a responsibility that every road user must take seriously.