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Two out of ten road deaths in Murcia involve pedestrians
In the last decade, 3,500 pedestrians have been killed in traffic accidents across Spain
Pedestrians remain one of the most vulnerable groups on Spanish roads and in the Region of Murcia the figures are especially sobering. Almost two out of every ten people killed in a traffic accident here over the past decade were walking at the time, according to a new study by the Línea Directa Foundation.
The report, Walking Safely. Accident Rate and Risks of Pedestrians in Spain, examined accident data from 2014 to 2023. It reveals that 19.8% of fatal accidents in the Region involved pedestrians, only slightly below the national average of 20.4%.
Across Spain, as many as 3,500 pedestrians lost their lives and a further 17,000 were hospitalised over the ten-year period.
“This is one of the most vulnerable and fragile groups,” warned Mar Garre, general director of the Línea Directa Foundation.
The study shows that the mortality rate among pedestrians rose by 5% during the last decade. While the organisation only has complete accident data for urban areas in 2023, it did note an encouraging fall of 8% last year.
The foundation stressed that these figures should not be interpreted as an attempt to hold pedestrians responsible. In fact, in 72% of accidents involving a pedestrian, the person on foot had not committed any violation.
Even so, the report points out that 41% of pedestrians killed in the last decade had tested positive for alcohol, drugs or medication. Alarmingly, that figure rose to 58% in 2023 alone.
Men are more than twice as likely to die as women, with men more often struck on highways while women are more commonly victims in cities. The average age of a pedestrian killed in an accident is 45, although those over 65 suffer a fatality rate double the national average.
Most incidents involve passenger vehicles, which account for 72% of pedestrian deaths, and they occur more frequently on weekdays, during daylight hours, and particularly in the final months of the year between October and December.
The report also raises concerns about the rise of the “technological pedestrian.” Young people between 18 and 25 who walk while using mobile phones or headphones are at greater risk because these devices reduce both hearing and peripheral vision, slowing down reaction times.
The majority of pedestrian accidents happen in cities. Some 86% occur in urban areas and 14% on highways. However, the foundation highlights the worrying fact that accidents on highways are eight times more likely to be fatal due to the higher speeds involved. In cities, meanwhile, pedestrian accidents are the single deadliest type of crash, representing 42% of all urban fatalities.
Amid the stark statistics, there is at least some good news for the current year. Road deaths in Spain fell again during the peak summer months of July and August 2025. Nationwide, 228 people lost their lives in traffic accidents, 6% fewer than in the same period of 2024.
The Region of Murcia recorded one of the most dramatic improvements. Fatalities dropped from 13 last summer to just 4 in 2025, a reduction of nearly 70%. Only the Valencian Community registered a comparable fall, with deaths reduced by more than half from 27 to 13.
By contrast, Andalucía was the hardest hit with 47 fatalities, making up more than a fifth of the national total, followed by Castilla y León with 32.
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PALS Solicitor for the most trusted tax, conveyancing and inheritance advice in the Costa Cálida
Multi-lingual staff provide help for both residents and non-residents at the offices in Puerto de Mazarrón
With over 20 years of experience in helping both residents and non-residents in the Costa Cálida with all of their conveyancing, tax, inheritance and family law needs, the team at PALS Solicitor have become one of the most trusted and reliable in the Region of Murcia.
The multi-lingual staff at the offices in Puerto de Mazarrón bring a wealth of knowledge and the wisdom which can only be gained through years of experience to the task of assisting you in a precise, efficient, measured and friendly manner, whether it is in managing your tax burden, completing the sale or purchase of a property, ensuring that you have a valid will to cover your assets in Spain or any other of the numerous obstacles and hurdles that living in Spain sometimes seems to entail.
The vision of PALS (Professional and Legal Solutions) is to offer the most inclusive tax and law services in Murcia, always providing clear and affordable advice in order to take the hassle out of what could otherwise be daunting paperwork and bureaucracy. The languages spoken by the experts at PALS include not only Spanish and English but also French, German, Dutch and Swedish, making them accessible to the vast majority of non-Spaniards with interests in the Costa Cálida.
The main services offered include the following:
Property law and conveyancing
PALS have dealt with countless property sales and purchases over the years, but their services regarding property are not limited to the conveyancing side. They can also help in finding the right property, arranging finance‚ securing an NIE number, opening a Spanish bank account, ensuring Due Diligence, overcoming the potential difficulties after Brexit (such as the requirement for British nationals to obtain a military permit if buying certain properties in the Costa Cálida!) and even helping to organize repairs and refurbishments once the property is yours!
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Tax and Accounting
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Arranging a will and inheritance for your estate in Spain is of the utmost importance, but many people fail to make proper provision for the distribution of their assets.
At PALS, making a will could not be easier: simply explain your preferences to the staff and they will produce the necessary document – in two languages if required – leaving you with nothing more to do except sign it before a notary.
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If you plan to be absent from Spain for long periods, of if you simply want to do away with much of the stress of buying and owning property in Spain, why not let PALS help you?
Many clients take advantage of PALS’ "Power of Attorney," allowing them represent their interests.
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PALS also provide a wide variety of legal, accounting, fiscal and labour relation services including but not limited to General Contracting, Family Law, Evictions, Traffic Matters and Monetary Claims.
All of the above services are tailored to the needs of each individual client: contact PALS now and make an appointment to discuss how they can help you to enjoy your property and your life in Spain!
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