Walter Finch
SPAIN’S traffic authority has sounded the alarm over a spike in the number of road deaths in Andalucia so far this year.
The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has recorded 143 deaths as of August 11th — 50 more than at this point last year and a staggering 54% increase.
This grim statistic highlights a dangerous trend on the region’s roads, with the provinces of Granada and Malaga among the hardest hit.
But Sevilla’s highways have become the most dangerous in Andalucia, with 29 deaths since January.
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Sevilla is followed closely by Malaga and Granada, both with 25 deaths; then it is Jean (19), Cordoba (16), Huelva (11), Almería (9), and Cádiz (9).
Granada, Cordoba, and Jaen have already seen more than double the fatalities compared to the same period in 2023.
With the summer season in full swing, the DGT reports the number of motorcycle fatalities rising from 18 to 37.
Another striking statistic is that 33 of those who died this year were not using the proper safety systems at the time of the accident.
Run-off-road accidents, often caused by speeding or driver distraction, have significantly contributed to this deadly toll, with 75 incidents – 34 more than last year.
To combat this crisis, the DGT is rolling out enhanced safety measures, including increased patrols by the Guardia Civil and intensified speed checks using both fixed and mobile radars, which will be announced on the variable message boards along the roads.
As millions prepare to hit the roads for the August 15th long weekend, it will also extend the flight hours of its Air Unit helicopters.
