Lorraine Williamson
In 2024, 1,154 people lost their lives on Spanish roads, marking a 1% increase from the 1,140 fatalities in 2023, according to preliminary figures from Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska. Additionally, 4,634 people were injured and hospitalised, up by 148 from the previous year. On average, there were three road fatalities and 13 serious injuries each day in Spain.
The Directorate-General of Transport (DGT) reported a 3.15% rise in road traffic, with 462,888,113 journeys recorded. Despite increased safety efforts, inappropriate speed accounted for 21% of fatal accidents, highlighting a persistent challenge.
Accident types and vulnerable road users
The majority of fatalities occurred on conventional roads, with 831 deaths, compared to 323 on highways and two-lane roads. Car accidents were the most frequent cause of death, resulting in 554 fatalities. Motorcycle and moped accidents claimed 300 lives, while accidents involving vans saw a worrying increase, with 79 deaths compared to 40 in 2023.
Vulnerable road users—cyclists, motorcyclists, scooter riders, and pedestrians—accounted for 451 fatalities. Among these, work-related incidents included five crane operators and two road workers fatally struck while on duty.
Regional variations in road fatalities
Andalucia and Catalonia reported the highest number of fatalities, with 20% and 12% of the national total, respectively. Andalucia saw the largest increase, with 35 more deaths compared to 2023, while Valencia experienced 22 additional fatalities. Conversely, Extremadura and Catalonia recorded notable decreases, with 20 and 16 fewer fatalities, respectively.
Government response and new measures
Interior Minister Grande-Marlaska called for collective responsibility to reduce road deaths. “This is a national project, and we need the help of society to respect speed limits, use safety measures, and avoid alcohol and drug use while driving,” he emphasised.
Efforts include 6.1 million breathalyser tests and 100,000 drug tests conducted by the Guardia Civil in 2024. To curb speeding, 122 new radars will be installed in 2025, with 53 fixed and 69 elongated units. The distribution of radars will shift to cover more highways, addressing a 7% rise in fatalities on fast roads.
Seat belts, helmets, and motorcyclist safety
Seat belt non-compliance remains a significant issue. In 2024, 156 fatalities in cars and vans involved passengers not wearing seat belts. Grande-Marlaska stressed that many of these deaths could have been prevented. Similarly, 10 motorcyclists and 14 cyclists were killed without wearing helmets, despite their proven effectiveness.
Motorcyclists, who represent one in four road fatalities, remain a priority for safety measures. The government continues to promote the use of airbags for motorcyclists and has distributed 471 units to the Armed Forces traffic grouping, with 2,000 more to follow.
Changes to traffic regulations
Anticipated amendments to the General Traffic Regulations include reducing the legal alcohol limit from 0.25 grams per litre to 0.1 and stricter penalties for using apps or devices to warn about road checks. The government has also proposed banning the use of the left lane during snowfall. While these measures are not yet law, drivers are encouraged to adopt them proactively.
Looking ahead: A shared responsibility
The figures presented by the Interior Minister are preliminary and focus on interurban roads, covering fatalities within 24 hours of an accident. A final report, which includes urban roads and casualties up to 30 days after an incident, will be released in the summer.
The rise in road fatalities highlights the ongoing challenges of road safety in Spain. Grande-Marlaska’s appeal for societal involvement underscores the importance of collective effort. By implementing stricter regulations, increasing enforcement, and raising awareness, Spain aims to reverse this trend and save lives on its roads.