Lorraine Williamson
After unveiling new helicopters to clamp down on dangerous driving and speeding, Spain’s traffic authority, the DGT, has released October’s road safety report. The figures show a modest decline in fatalities compared with the same month last year, but also highlight worrying trends that reinforce why investment in aerial surveillance and road enforcement has become a priority.
Eighty-three people lost their lives on Spain’s roads in October. That is six fewer than in October 2024, even though long-distance journeys increased by 6%, reaching nearly 40 million. The DGT is keen to stress this as a sign of progress; yet, behind the numbers lies a complicated story.
Fatalities on high-capacity roads fell noticeably, with eight fewer deaths than last year. However, conventional roads remain Spain’s deadliest, where most fatal collisions still occur. And among pedestrians, deaths rose sharply — twelve people were killed on foot, four more than last October.
Seatbelts still not being used — with deadly consequences
Thirteen people who died in traffic accidents were not wearing any safety devices. They include eleven car drivers and one van driver who were not wearing seatbelts, and a cyclist who was riding without a helmet. For the DGT, this is one of the most frustrating statistics — preventable deaths despite increasingly sophisticated enforcement systems.
Types of accidents shifting — fewer road departures, more collisions
The overall reduction in deaths is largely due to fewer vehicles leaving the road. Fatalities from road departures fell by six. But head-on, rear-end, and multi-vehicle collisions increased, as did fatal pedestrian incidents. This shift suggests that while roads may be better designed to prevent vehicles veering off, risky driving behaviours and distraction are causing more impact-related crashes.
Who is most at risk? Age and regions tell a mixed story
Drivers and passengers over the age of 55 saw the biggest increase in fatalities — nine more than last year. In contrast, deaths among 25 to 34-year-olds dropped by 14. Regionally, Andalucía recorded the highest number of deaths in October with 19. Galicia suffered the biggest year-on-year increase, while the Valencian Community saw the sharpest decline, reporting just one death — 14 fewer than last October.
The deadliest days were Friday, 10, and Saturday, 11 October, each with seven deaths. Yet there were glimmers of hope — five days passed with no fatalities at all.
A deadly weekend closes the month
Over the final weekend, from Friday 31 October to Sunday 2 November, 12 people were killed in 12 separate accidents on interurban roads. Six of the victims were considered vulnerable road users: two pedestrians, three motorcyclists, and one rider of a personal mobility vehicle. Accidents occurred across the country, from Orihuela in Alicante to Mijas in Málaga and as far as Lugo, Córdoba, Tarragona, and La Rioja.
The bigger picture — and why the DGT is increasing vigilance
So far this year, 957 people have died on Spanish roads — 12 fewer than by the same point in 2024. The trajectory is downward, but only slightly. The rise in pedestrian deaths, failure to wear seatbelts, and the ageing demographic on the roads are all prompting the DGT to toughen its approach.
That is why, alongside new helicopters equipped with advanced cameras and AI-supported detection technology, the agency is reinforcing road policing and launching fresh awareness campaigns. The message is clear: technology can support safety, but behaviour must change too.
A long winter ahead
As autumn turns to winter and road conditions become more unpredictable, the DGT is urging drivers to slow down, wear seatbelts, and pay attention — especially on conventional roads where most accidents still happen. October’s figures offer hope, but also a reminder that progress is fragile, and every preventable death is one too many.
Source: DGT