Fewer accidents, more awareness: the challenge of road safety in the Basque Country
The lowest number of deaths has been recorded in recent decades, but authorities say much remains to be done.
In 2024, 37 people died in road accidents in the Basque Country. This is the lowest figure in recent decades and yet it is a very high figure. "From 2,000 years to the present, we have gone from more than 200 victims a year to 37. This is a positive fact because mortality data are falling, but we still have a lot to do, "explains Estibaliz Olabarri, Director of Traffic of the Basque Government.
Education and awareness: key to decline
The President believes that the reduction is not only due to regulation, but also to education and awareness.
"The compulsory use of seat belts, the wearing of helmets by motorcyclists, the driving licence by points, the speed reduction measures... has led topublic awareness and concern. For example, there were no deaths among bicycle users. So we might think that in the future there will be no deaths among motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians and drivers.
In the same vein, Rosa Maria Trinidad of Stop Road Violence has stated that "we need to educate, raise awareness, carry out awareness-raising campaigns to care for all kinds of groups, work with children in schools... because that's investing in life."
Current challenges: alcohol, speed and distractions
Despite the decline in numbers, there are still many risks . The authorities highlight three main factors: alcohol and drugs, inadequate speed and distractions, mainly due to the use of mobile phones.
"We don't need to use phones or navigators while driving. No call is so important as to put one's life or that of others at stake. It's everyone's responsibility to make roads a safe place," Trinidad said.
Youth responsibility and road education
The message must also influence the formation of new generations. "Young people are now much more aware than we had. They are going to drive differently because they have been taught a lot of values. The point is to be responsible: there are a lot of different types of drivers on the road that we walk side by side, and we all have the same goal: to walk safely," they explain.
No casualties.
The Basque Country continues to move towards an ambitious goal: to avoid road deaths. Combining technology, regulation, education and public awareness is the formula that the authorities consider essential for further reducing accidents and protecting all road users.
"The use of new technologies in road safety management is essential, but it must always be accompanied by responsibility and awareness," they conclude.
You might like
A 36-year-old Basque mountaineer was seriously injured in Asturias when a rock fell as he climbed
Apparently, the stone has fallen about 300 metres above where the woman was, who has suffered severe head trauma and has been transferred to the Asturias General University Hospital (HUCA).
Hundreds of people received the Freedom Flotilla ship in the Basque Country
He plans to stay in the Basque Country until Tuesday, the 8th, when he will leave for Vigo and then continue to other areas of the Mediterranean. During the ship's stay in Bilbao, various events have been organised, including conferences, performances, a Palestinian fair and a press conference with activists from the flotilla.
A 25-year-old woman has been arrested in Elciego on charges of running over her partner
He has been charged with attempted murder in the area of domestic violence. The incident took place around 7.30 a.m. on Saturday morning. The detainee has been transferred to police stations and, once the proceedings have been completed, will be brought before the court.
A 20-year-old boy died on Lekeitio's Geese Day after falling off a fence; the celebration was suspended
The young man, who was in the harbor following the test of geese, has fallen from a height of about two metres. Thousands of people have gathered in Lekeitio today and the event was developing normally until the accident.
Nearly 4,000 people have gathered at the Sagardo Eguna in Donostia
They have the opportunity to taste cider from 32 cider shops in Gipuzkoa. They have threatened the day with music from trikitilaris and bertsolaris. One of the most emotional moments has been the act of tribute to Jabier Ansorena and Marian Matas.
September 5th has been declared Local Democratic Memory Day in Irun
The Irun City Council has declared 5 September as Local Democratic Memory Day, with the support of all the political groups of the City Council, which today commemorated all the Iranians who suffered a military coup, war and dictatorship.
The Ertzaintza arrested a man in Urduliz accused of throwing bottles at three people
The attack took place at around 6.20 p.m. near the metro station, where a group of some 200 people had gathered in the vicinity, and the detainee had previously been arrested for similar events.
Three people have been arrested in Gernika on charges of forcing a 14-year-old pregnant girl to marry
An investigation is also under way into a 17-year-old, the alleged father of the child, who has not been located.
Tests on the Mole's underground passage trains begin next week
The infrastructure will be available by Christmas, according to the forecasts of the Basque Government.
The alleged perpetrator of Barakaldo's murder is still at the police station awaiting testimony before the judge
The Ertzaintza continues to investigate, and early hypotheses suggest that "sentimental" may be the cause of the incident.