Lorraine Williamson
Spain’s scenic national roads often tempt drivers to relax and take in the view, but for many, those same routes hide deadly risks. According to the latest Automovilistas Europeos Asociados (AEA) report, the stretch of the N-240 between Huesca and Barbastro stands out as Spain’s most dangerous road — a section where accidents occur almost six hundred times more frequently than the national average.
The findings paint a worrying picture: while Spain’s highways continue to modernise, much of the danger lies off the motorways, on older, less protected national roads that thread through rural landscapes.
The N-240 route cuts across the foothills of the Pyrenees, offering breathtaking views but punishingly sharp bends. It’s here, at kilometre 202 near Huesca, that drivers face the highest risk of serious or fatal accidents. The AEA attributes this record-breaking danger to heavy traffic, poor visibility, and inadequate barriers, particularly on narrow, winding stretches.
Head-on collisions and impacts with roadside obstacles are alarmingly common, especially during the summer tourist season when road use surges. Experts have warned that without urgent infrastructure improvements, the risk will only rise further.
Hidden hazards beyond the motorways
While the N-240 has earned unwanted notoriety, it’s far from alone. Other perilous stretches include parts of the N-122 in Soria, the N-345 in Murcia, and the N-320 in Guadalajara. Across Spain, the AEA identified over 100 high-risk road sections spanning 1,400 kilometres of the national network.
These are not obscure backroads. Many link regional centres and serve both commuters and lorry drivers. Yet their age, inconsistent maintenance, and exposure to heavy loads make them vulnerable to wear — and to tragedy.
Why Spain’s roads are so dangerous
Experts point to a combination of infrastructure decay and driver behaviour. Worn asphalt, missing crash barriers and unclear intersections all heighten the danger, while fatigue, distraction, and speeding compound the risk. Modern vehicles may boast advanced safety features, but even they offer little defence against a head-on collision on a narrow bend.
Freight traffic and holiday drivers also create a volatile mix. The contrast between slow-moving lorries and impatient overtakers on single-lane roads has been cited as a recurring factor in serious crashes.
A call for urgent action
The AEA’s report is not simply a warning — it’s a plea for investment. The association urges authorities to improve road surfacing, enhance signage, and install better safety barriers in high-risk zones. These measures, it says, could prevent hundreds of accidents every year.
Local governments have been slow to respond, citing budget limitations and competing priorities. Yet as Spain continues to promote rural tourism and sustainable transport, the safety of its secondary road network becomes ever more critical.
Staying safe behind the wheel
For drivers, awareness is key. Before setting out, especially on long cross-country routes, it’s worth checking the latest road safety reports and mapping potential black spots. On mountain roads like the N-240, extra caution, slower speeds, and regular rest stops can make the difference between a scenic journey and a tragic one.
Spain’s national roads remain vital arteries for trade, tourism and everyday travel. But until they’re properly protected, the beauty of the landscape comes with a stark reminder — on some routes, danger lurks around every bend.
Source: Autobild