Is Spain a safe country to drive in? Europe’s 2030 goals and Spain’s road to ‘Vision Zero’

For many expats and international residents who drive regularly in Spain, the question often arises: how safe are Spanish roads compared with those in other European countries?

According to the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), 1,154 people died in road accidents in Spain in 2024, a small rise on 2023 figures. 

With 35 deaths per million residents, Spain still ranks among the safest countries in Europe for drivers and passengers alike.

Spain has a well-developed network of highways, recognised among the best in Europe by the European Commission’s Transport Scoreboard, and generally careful drivers. However, road safety remains a shared responsibility and a key part of a much larger European effort to make driving safer for everyone.

The European Union has set an ambitious challenge: to halve road deaths and serious injuries by 2030 and ultimately achieve Vision Zero by 2050 - a future where no one loses their life in a traffic accident.

But halfway to 2030, the question remains: are Europe and Spain moving fast enough?

The EU’s 2030 target: reducing road deaths

Under the EU Road Safety Policy Framework 2021-2030, all member states agreed to an ambitious goal: reduce road fatalities and serious injuries by 50% from 2020 levels. 

However, according to the European Commission and the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), progress remains too slow.

To stay on track for 2030:

• Fatalities would need to fall by around 6.7% each year
• Yet the current decline averages only 2-3% annually across the EU

The Commission’s latest report noted a modest 3% reduction in 2024 - that’s around 600 fewer deaths than the previous year - but warned that this pace is not fast enough to meet the 2030 target.

Although the United Kingdom is no longer part of the EU’s official framework, it continues to pursue similar objectives through its own national strategy and participates in European initiatives.

Spain’s place in the European picture

Spain continues to perform better than most EU countries. The DGT reported 35 road deaths per million inhabitants in 2024, compared with a European average of about 45. This places Spain among the ten safest countries in the EU, alongside Sweden, Ireland and the Netherlands.

The improvement reflects long-term investment in infrastructure, stricter enforcement and growing public awareness. Still, the DGT points out that distractions, excessive speed and the vulnerability of motorcyclists remain major concerns on Spanish roads.

A changing road environment

Europe’s efforts to cut road deaths face new challenges. Traffic levels have rebounded since the pandemic, and new forms of mobility (such as e-scooters, e-bikes and ride-sharing) are reshaping urban transport.
While innovation brings flexibility, it also complicates enforcement and safety education.
The European Court of Auditors recently observed that many countries are “barely moving” towards their 2030 goals. Reaching them will require not just technology, but also a stronger culture of responsibility among all road users.

Protecting yourself on the road in Spain

Spain’s roads may be among Europe’s safest, but no driver is completely immune to risk.
Whether it’s a minor collision, a breakdown on a rural road or an incident involving another vehicle, unexpected situations can quickly turn stressful—especially when you’re far from home. That’s where the right car insurance makes all the difference.

Read more tips on driving safely and traffic rules in Spainand make informed decisions for your everyday journeys.

Generali Expatriates provides competitive car insurance for expats in Spain - flexible cover designed especially for international residents, with options that adapt to how and where you drive.
From everyday journeys to long-distance trips, you can rely on expert support in your language and dependable protection whenever you need it.

Find your nearest Expat broker or agent, or request a quote today and enjoy every journey with the confidence that you and your car are protected.