The number of road fatalities in the Balearics so far this year has increased by just over 20%. The head of the DGT traffic directorate in the Balearics, Fernando Alonso, says there have been 34 fatalities compared with 28 for the same period of 2024. He explains that these are deaths which occur within the first 24 hours of accidents. At the end of the year, other deaths are added by cross-referencing the DGT and National Statistics Institute's databases.
Tragic though these deaths are, the death toll on the islands' roads is nothing like it once was. The worst year was 1989, when there were 181 fatalities. "In 2008, we managed to get below 100 fatalities. Since then, the number has remained below that level. Prior to 2008 there were important regulatory reforms - the points-based driving licence system in 2005 and reform of the Penal Code as it applies to traffic in 2007. This introduced new offences in this area."
Even so, Alonso accepts that an increase this year is a negative. There are various causes, the three most significant being alcohol and drug use, excessive speed and distractions. The latter causes 35% of fatal accidents; the figure has increased. Use of phones while driving is one of these distractions. But speeding is the most common cause.
Around 40% of fatalities have been motorcyclists. There have been 14 this year. In 2024 there were nine. "Nationally, the typical figure is that motorcyclists represent 25% of deaths, so we are well above that."
There has been an increase in accidents among people between the ages of 25 and 35. This had been declining in recent years. The increase is associated with alcohol and drug use. Alonso also points out that 80% of all fatalities are men. For driver fatalities alone, the percentage rises to 90%. "This figure is very stable and tells us that men are worse drivers. Driver attitudes and risky behaviours increase the chances of having an accident. Men commit more traffic violations and cause more traffic accidents."