A total of 432 individuals have tragically perished in traffic incidents from January 1, as reported by the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) this Monday. May alone saw 99 deaths, which is eight more than May of the previous year. The most fatal day was Wednesday the 28th, claiming 10 lives, while no deadly incidents occurred on Friday the 16th and Monday the 26th.

The increase in May fatalities is stark, especially when compared to the 88 deaths recorded in April despite the Easter period, known for heavy traffic. The DGT has noted a continued rise in mobility and long-distance travel, with a reported 40.2 million trips in May, marking a 3% hike from last year. Particularly concerning is the rise in accidents involving multiple fatalities, including two incidents each with three deaths and another with four. The latter occurred on May 2 near kilometer 472 on the N-630 road in Plasencia, Cáceres, in a collision between a Dacia and a Porsche. The victims, traveling in the Dacia, included a couple, the man's mother, and the woman's brother, while the Porsche's driver, a fruit transport entrepreneur from Jerte, suffered less severe injuries.

May's grim statistics show 22 people died on highways and expressways, one less than May last year, and 77 fatalities on two-way roads, nine more than the previous year. Victims in passenger cars were the most numerous, totaling 49. Truck-related deaths surged from one in May last year to eight this year. Conversely, deaths among vulnerable users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists decreased to 33, five fewer than last year, and van fatalities dropped to four, half of last year's figure.

The most significant drop in fatalities was observed among vulnerable users, with 33 deaths, five fewer than the previous year, and vans, with four deaths, four fewer than last year. Off-road incidents were the deadliest cause, claiming 57 lives, compared to 34 last year. Meanwhile, deaths from head-on collisions and rear/multiple collisions decreased to 22 and 3, respectively.

According to DGT data, 19 deceased did not use safety systems: 15 in passenger cars, two in trucks, one in a van without safety belts, and a motorcyclist without a helmet.

Regionally, Andalusia recorded the highest number of fatalities in May, with 27 deaths, marking an increase of nine from last year. In contrast, Catalonia showed the greatest reduction, with seven fatalities, seven fewer than May last year.

From 3 p.m. on Friday, May 30, until midnight Sunday, June 1, six people lost their lives in five fatal accidents. Five of these occurred on conventional roads, and one on a highway. Of the six deceased, one was a motorcyclist, and the rest were in passenger vehicles. All five fatal incidents resulted from vehicles leaving the roadway, according to DGT data. These accidents occurred in Calella (Barcelona), Espinosa de los Monteros (Burgos), Hinojal (Cáceres), A Baña (A Coruña), and Zalamea la Real (Huelva).

The DGT aims to reduce the high road mortality among motorcyclists, a persistent trend in recent years. To address this, a campaign has been launched to monitor this driver group closely. The Civil Guard Traffic Group will increase surveillance on roads frequented by motorcyclists from May to October weekends, ensuring adherence to regulations and highlighting the importance of compliance.

Illegal overtaking, helmet neglect, speeding, and alcohol and drug use are the main risk factors and infractions committed by motorcyclists. Consequently, Civil Guard Traffic Group officers are directed to monitor these dangerous behaviors.

According to Traffic data, Spain ranks second in the EU for the number of motorcycles and mopeds, with nearly 6 million units, representing 15% of the vehicle fleet and accounting for 27% of road fatalities.