Spain recorded 123 fatal road accidents and 142 deaths in June 2026, according to the Directorate-General for Traffic. The total was 51 higher than in June 2025 and represented the highest June figure since 2010. Most of the increase was concentrated on conventional roads, in run-off-road crashes and head-on collisions, and between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Road deaths during the first half of 2026 nevertheless remained 19 below the same period of 2025.
Spain recorded 142 road deaths in June 2026, an increase of 51 from the same month of 2025 and the highest June total since 2010.
Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic, known by its Spanish initials DGT from Dirección General de Tráfico, recorded 123 fatal crashes during the month.
Long-distance road movements reached 42.8 million, an increase of 3% from June 2025. The rise in fatalities was therefore considerably greater than the increase in traffic volume.
Six crashes resulted in three or more deaths. A total of 21 people died in those incidents, accounting for around 41% of the additional deaths compared with the previous year.
There were three days with at least ten road deaths. June 2 was the deadliest day of the month, with 12 fatalities. Five days recorded at least eight deaths.
The increase was concentrated on conventional roads rather than motorways and dual carriageways.
Deaths on conventional interurban roads rose from 58 in June 2025 to 111 in June 2026. Motorway and dual-carriageway deaths fell from 33 to 31.
Run-off-road crashes and head-on collisions accounted for most of the increase. Run-off-road deaths rose from 41 to 65, while deaths in head-on collisions increased from 14 to 35.
Nighttime driving was another significant factor. Thirty-one of the 51 additional deaths occurred in accidents recorded between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Passenger-car occupants showed the largest increase by transport type, with 29 more deaths than in June 2025.
Twenty-two people who died were not using the required safety equipment. Nineteen car occupants and two van occupants were not wearing seat belts, while one cyclist was not using a helmet.
The increase was not concentrated in a single province or road corridor. The accidents contributing to the rise were distributed across 26 provinces and 38 roads.
Despite the sharp increase in June, the first-half total remained lower than the previous year. Between January 1 and June 30, 501 people died in 464 fatal road crashes, 19 fewer than during the same period of 2025.
Long-distance movements during the first half reached approximately 230 million, around 3% higher than a year earlier.
Summer brings increased domestic holiday traffic and greater rental-car use by international visitors. Travelers often leave motorways to reach coastal areas, mountain destinations, villages and rural accommodation.
Conventional roads frequently lack physical separation between opposing lanes. Drivers should reduce speed before curves, maintain a safe distance and avoid risky overtaking.
Night driving also requires additional care because of reduced visibility, fatigue and the risk of falling asleep. Regular breaks and realistic travel schedules are important on long journeys.
Visitors renting a car in Spain should check the vehicle, insurance conditions and emergency equipment before departure. Seat belts must be used in every seat, and mobile-phone use and alcohol consumption should be avoided while driving.