Distractions, the most frequent factor in fatal traffic accidents in 2020

During the last year, marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, 1,370 people lost their lives in traffic accidents (6,681 had to be hospitalized as a result of an accident), according to the balance sheet of the General Directorate of Traffic. It is the lowest number since records began and includes people killed on interurban and urban roads during the 30 days after the accident occurred. The mortality rate stood at 29 people killed per million inhabitants, one of the lowest in the European Union in 2020, only behind Sweden (18), Malta (21) and Denmark (27).

The decrease in the number of deaths occurred in a context of reduction in long-distance trips, which was estimated at 25%, caused by the mobility restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while the vehicle fleet stood at 36,158,465 vehicles, 1% more than in 2019.

The human factor and improving driving behavior continues to be a challenge for road safety. For the fifth consecutive year, distractions were the most frequent concurrent factor in fatal accidents (they were present in 31% of them), followed by the consumption of alcohol (present in 27%) and speed (present in a 25%).

Are we aware that we cannot do two things at the same time? Are distractions a challenge in road safety? In the following videos you will find the answers.