In Spain, road safety remains a top priority for government agencies. The National Road Safety Observatory, headed by Álvaro Gómez Méndez, is responsible for collecting and analyzing traffic accident data and developing strategies to reduce the number of crashes and casualties.
The main task of the center is to systematically gather information on incidents, violations, changes in vehicle registration, and other factors affecting road conditions. Based on this data, recommendations for improvement are developed, discussed with relevant authorities, and put into practice. Additionally, the center supports international cooperation in road safety.
In recent years, Spain has aimed to reduce the annual road death toll to below 1,000. In 2024, 1,154 people died on the country’s roads. While there was a decline in fatalities before the pandemic, further progress requires comprehensive measures. Experts highlight the need to reduce average speeds—particularly among drivers under the influence of alcohol—as well as to address other key risk factors.
Analyzing typical accidents, experts identify two main categories: vehicles leaving the roadway on regular roads, and collisions with elderly pedestrians in urban areas. On highways, most serious accidents are linked to loss of vehicle control, speeding, fatigue, or inattention. In cities, there is a growing number of incidents involving elderly victims.
The summer period is traditionally considered the most challenging for road infrastructure. During this time, a record number of trips are recorded—reaching 100 million in 2025. There is an increase in vulnerable road users: pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists. The variety of trip purposes and types of transport raises the risk of accidents, especially on highways, where the number of collisions and stoppages due to technical issues also increases.
Special attention is given to motorcycle safety. In July 2025, every third traffic fatality was a motorcyclist. Statistics show that the risk of a fatal outcome for a motorcyclist is 17 times higher than for a car driver. Meanwhile, the motorcycle market in Spain continues to grow, complicating efforts to reduce accidents. Over the past decade, only this segment has seen an increase in incidents. Programs are being implemented nationwide to improve driver training, introduce advanced protective gear, including airbags, and equip motorcycles with new safety systems.
Another ongoing issue is the age of the vehicle fleet. Currently, 42% of cars involved in traffic accidents on highways are more than 15 years old. Over the past ten years, this figure has increased significantly. Older vehicles are less safe compared to modern ones, yet such cars still dominate the used car market.
To protect vulnerable road users in cities, speed limits are being reduced to 30 km/h, and a minimum age and mandatory helmet use have been introduced for users of personal mobility devices. These measures aim to reduce injuries and fatalities among pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter riders.
Using mobile phones while driving remains a serious threat. According to European studies, Spain is among the leading countries for this indicator: in 2023, 17% of drivers used mobile devices while on the road. This significantly increases the risk of accidents, and authorities plan to strengthen monitoring and prevention in this area.
The penalty point system introduced in Spain continues to work effectively. After penalties for using mobile phones, neglecting safety measures, and driving under the influence were tightened, the number of violations has stabilized. The system has helped reduce accidents by 13-14% and is still considered effective, although experts are discussing possible adjustments to certain sanctions.
The question of which measures are most effective for reducing speed remains open. Despite numerous campaigns, speeding is still widespread: up to half of drivers exceed established limits. Each year, more than 3 million speeding fines are recorded. Authorities believe that automated monitoring systems, such as speed cameras, remain the most effective tool for preventing accidents.
In the coming years, Spain plans to increase the number of average speed control zones. These systems allow for a fairer assessment of driver behavior over the entire route, not just at a single point, which helps reduce the number of serious accidents.
Thus, Spain continues to improve its approach to road safety by introducing new technologies, updating legislation, and strengthening preventive measures. However, achieving the set goals will require continued efforts across all areas—from renewing the vehicle fleet to raising driving culture and protecting vulnerable road users.
