Lorraine Williamson
Last year, 1,154 people were killed on Spanish roads. That’s 14 more than in 2023 – a slight increase, but one that matters. While driver behaviour is often the focus after a crash, the state of the roads themselves is just as critical.
A recent report from Automovilistas Europeos Asociados (AEA), based on data from Spain’s Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, highlights the country’s most hazardous road sections. These routes have significantly higher chances of accidents—and in some cases, dramatically so.
A complex network with vulnerable stretches
Spain has a road system that covers nearly 166,000 kilometres. Of this, over 26,000 kilometres are directly managed by the state. Though that’s just 16% of the total, it carries more than half of all traffic.
Regional governments oversee 42% of the network, and the remaining 67,000 kilometres are under provincial or local control. Spain also has the EU’s longest stretch of high-capacity roads – including toll and free motorways – ahead of even Germany.
However, safety isn’t guaranteed just because a road is modern. The AEA report tracked road safety between 2018 and 2022 and identified more than 270 kilometres where accidents and injuries consistently occur.
Spain’s most high-risk road segments
These so-called “black spots” aren’t always long or rural – many are short stretches near cities or industrial zones. Over five years, they accounted for 1,591 reported accidents and over 2,200 injuries.
Some of the most dangerous include:
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N-4a near Jaén (km 252–255)
With a risk rating 198 times above the national average, this short stretch is statistically Spain’s most dangerous. -
A-77a in Alicante (km 0)
This entry point to the motorway saw 110 accidents and 158 casualties – a major hotspot. -
T-11 near Tarragona (km 17)
92 accidents and 145 injuries mark this as one of Catalonia’s riskiest stretches. -
A-55 near Mos, Pontevedra
Frequently used, this section had 58 accidents and 107 casualties. Nearby, AP-9 (km 159) reports the highest number of total accidents in the region. -
AP-36 in Toledo (km 52)
Though a toll road, this stretch has a crash risk 13 times above average. -
B-23 outside Barcelona (km 14)
This route is notorious for frequent accidents, especially during peak hours.
What drivers can do
Authorities may not be able to upgrade every dangerous road overnight. But knowing where the problem areas are helps drivers plan ahead and stay alert.
Reducing speed, increasing distance between vehicles, and avoiding distractions are simple but effective precautions – especially on these known risky routes.
A shared responsibility
Safer roads aren’t only about better infrastructure. They also rely on informed, responsible driving. By recognising where the danger zones are, motorists can take steps to avoid becoming part of the statistics.
Also read: Fatal crash in Cantabria sparks urgent calls for road safety improvements