Summer ranks as the most dangerous time of year to drive. During the holiday period, recklessness, traffic density and fatigue, due to the heat and the duration of travel, make the rate of deaths 20% higher than in the non-holiday period.
In the last 10 years, there have been more than 165,00 accidents across Spain during the summer period, of which more than 3,300 people have died and another 234,000 were injured.
At this time the Valencian Community is the third autonomous region with the most critical sections, surpassed only by Catalonia and Andalusia.
Adding the four common holiday periods in Spain (Easter, summer, December bridge and Christmas), the sections of road with the most deaths in the Valencian Community in the last decade are all located on the Mediterranean Highway.
- On the A-7 on the border between Alicante and Valencia (km. 517- 530 from Adzaneta d’Albaida to Ontinyent)
- On the A-7 in Valencia (km. 310- 328 from Puçol to Paterna)
- On the A-7 between km. 365- 376 from Alginet to L’Alcúdia).
These three stretches are in the Top 7 of the most dangerous 20-kilometer sections, according to DGT statistics from 2012 to 2021.
In the last decade, the section between Adzaneta d’Albaida-Ontinyent has seen seven deaths in four accidents, Puçol-Paterna has resulted in six deaths in five fatal accidents and along the Alginet-L’Alcúdia section there have been six deaths.
Valencian drivers have much to improve in terms of responsibility at the wheel, since more than 1.8 million (60%) accept that they do not follow the recommendations of rest periods. In addition, 1.7 million (56%) claim to exceed speed limits on holiday and nearly 535,000 (18%) confess to drinking alcohol during summer road trips.
Nine tips for road trips
The Guardia Civil ‘Operation Exit’ that is highlighted every summer warns of increased risks, so it is advisable to take into account a series of recommendations to reduce vulnerability at the wheel during these important dates.
- Beware of “peak” periods. The day of the week with the most traffic is Friday and the least is Tuesday.
- Plan your route. Before starting the route, decide where you are going to stop and where you can refuel.
- Rest is essential. Rest every 200 kilometres, maximum. Try to take turns with another driver.
- Ensure that luggage always well secured. Never leave loose objects inside the car.
- Be careful with meals. Avoid large meals before driving and, of course, do not drink any alcohol.
- Wear appropriate clothing. It is very important to wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for driving, do not wear flip-flops or similar.
- Beware of heat. Keep the temperature in the vehicle between 21ºC and 23ºC.
- Attention to children. They must travel in a Child Restraint System appropriate to their weight and height.
- More than ever, comply with the laws. Do not exceed the speed limits and be very cautious when overtaking.
