256 people died in road accidents in Catalonia in 2018

With 231 people dying in road accidents in 2016, last year's total continues an upward trend that began in 2015, when there were 261 deaths (in 2014 the number was 230).

Worst interurban figures since 2012

Of last year's total, 185 deaths were on interurban roads, the worst figure since 2012, when the toll was 194, while 17 fatalities on these roads were people hit by cars, a rise of 240%.

Meanwhile, another 60 people died on road interchanges -where most accidents are caused by speeding, distractions or intoxication- representing a 54% rise.

Police to use more dynamic measures

In order to reduce the number of road accidents in 2019, the Catalan police -the Mossos d'Esquadra- will implement more dynamic measures, including more monitoring by helicopters, in-car cameras, and improved speed cameras.

Interior minister Miquel Buch spoke bluntly about the figures, referring to "homicidal behavior" and pledging tough action against risky driving, such as speeding or mobile use.

Road deaths in Spain below EU average

On a European scale, Spain as a whole, with 39 road deaths per million inhabitants, is below the EU average of 51, based on the most up-to-date figures for the bloc, which are from 2016.

In December, the Spanish government passed a decree reducing the maximum speed allowed on minor roads from 100km/h to 90km/h. According to Spain's road authority, surpassing the speed limit causes 20% of the victims every year.