The report released by the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), confirmed that October witnessed a distressing surge in traffic-related fatalities, claiming the lives of 98 individuals. The DGT revealed that a total of 88 fatal accidents occurred during the month. This was an increase of 3% compared to October of the previous year.
Among the alarming statistics, motorcyclists emerged as the most vulnerable group, with 35 riders losing their lives. This accounted for a staggering 36% of the total fatalities. Shockingly, 6 of the victims were not utilising any safety devices at the time of the accidents.
Road safety concerns
The DGT’s data indicated a concerning rise in fatalities on conventional roads, particularly due to head-on collisions and multiple rear-end accidents. These claimed 24 and 14 lives respectively. Conversely, the number of deaths resulting from vehicles veering off the road decreased, with 34 fatalities reported. That is 14 fewer than in October 2022.
Also read: Falling asleep at the wheel causes accidents
Regional disparities
The grim statistics painted a varied picture across different regions of Spain. While Andalucia and Castilla y León experienced increases in accidents, other regions like Murcia and La Rioja saw a decrease in fatalities compared to the previous year. This geographical disparity emphasises the need for targeted interventions and heightened vigilance on the roads, especially in high-risk areas.
Fatal days on the road
Certain days in October stood out, with Tuesday, October 3rd, Saturday, October 7th, and Monday, October 23rd, each witnessing 6 fatalities. In stark contrast, there was only one day in the month—Sunday, October 22nd—without any reported fatalities.
Yearly overview
Zooming out to a broader perspective, the DGT’s report noted that the total number of road-related deaths in 2023 reached 943 by November 1st. While this number was marginally lower than the same period in 2022, with a 1% decrease in fatalities, the overall figure remains distressingly high.
Also read: Alarming rise in road fatalities during September
