Spain’s General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) is bracing for an unprecedented summer on the roads, with over one hundred million long-distance trips forecast for July and August. This surge in travel, coupled with a worrying upward trend in traffic movements during the first half of 2025, has prompted Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska to unveil a comprehensive traffic regulation, surveillance, and management plan. The primary objective is to prevent an increase in road fatalities, following last summer’s toll of 243 deaths, averaging 3.9 per day.
Key Concerns and Operations
The DGT’s main concerns revolve around motorcyclists, road departures, driver distractions, and drink-driving. To tackle these issues, enhanced surveillance and specific campaigns will be in place throughout the summer.
Holidays in Spain typically see departures and returns concentrated over weekends. In response, the DGT has scheduled specific operations every weekend, with significant reinforcements on the first weekend of each month and during key holiday periods. Five major special traffic operations are planned:
- 1st Operation Exit: Friday 4th to Sunday 6th July
- Operation Santiago: Wednesday 24th to Saturday 27th July
- Operation August 1st: Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd August
- Operation August 15: Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th August
- Operation Return: Friday 29th to Sunday 31st August
In addition to domestic travel, Spain’s roads serve as a crucial transit point for vehicles from other European countries heading to Spain, Portugal, or North Africa. Operation Crossing the Strait is a significant undertaking, with a projected 5% increase in vehicles compared to last year’s 850,000 crossings. Similarly, Operation Passage de Portugal anticipates around 212,000 vehicles, with reinforced surveillance along the A-62 and A-66 highways.
The DGT’s comprehensive plan involves a workforce of over 27,000 personnel, along with two rest areas, five information points, and an extensive Border Information System featuring over 2,400 information panels and 2,000 cameras to provide real-time updates and manage incidents.
High-Risk Factors and Prevention
Grande-Marlaska highlighted several areas of particular concern:
- Motorcyclists: A grim statistic from last summer saw 76 motorcyclist fatalities – more than one per day and the highest number in a decade. These accidents predominantly occurred on conventional roads over weekends, often involving high-powered motorcycles and experienced riders. Despite making up less than 3% of road trips, motorcyclists account for 25% of fatalities. The Ministry of the Interior is actively collaborating with the motorcycling sector to improve safety.
- Road Departures: These account for 40% of fatal accidents.
- Distracted Driving: This remains the leading cause of accidents.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents: Responsible for 9% of fatalities.
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse: A persistent risk factor.
- Age Group 45-54: This demographic recorded the highest number of accidents last summer.
Life-Saving Advice
The Interior Minister offered crucial advice to reduce accident risks:
- Plan your journeys meticulously to avoid traffic jams, particularly at city exits and on coastal routes.
- Never risk your life for an extra drink or to save a few minutes on your journey.
- Do not use social media groups that report alcohol checkpoints; this irresponsible behaviour can endanger lives.
- Exercise extreme caution on short trips, as these are the most common cause of fatal summer accidents.
- Maintain focus while driving: Keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, avoiding distractions.
Grande-Marlaska emphasised that “road safety is a national project,” urging citizens to be prudent and responsible. He also extended his sincere gratitude to all Guardia Civil Traffic Officers for their unwavering dedication and commitment to ensuring road safety, assisting drivers, and managing incidents professionally. Their tireless efforts, even during holiday periods, are crucial for the proper functioning of mobility and road safety in Spain.