Traffic Accidents Account for Over a Third of Workplace Fatalities in Spain: Key Figures for 2025

Traffic Accidents: A Major Cause of Workplace Fatalities

Work-related traffic accidents remain one of the deadliest hazards in Spain, representing a striking 34.7% of all fatal workplace incidents in the first half of 2025. This percentage underscores a persistent challenge in occupational safety, despite a notable 38% reduction in fatal incidents since pre-pandemic times. Still, the figures indicate that road safety at work continues to demand serious attention and better preventive strategies.

Proportion of Traffic Accidents Within Overall Workplace Incidents

When looking at all workplace accidents causing absence from work, traffic accidents constitute 12.5%, a figure that has remained steady since 2018. This consistency reveals a stable yet troubling share of road-related incidents impacting employee health and safety.

Accident Victim Profiles and Recovery Time

The data shed light on who is most affected and when. Men account for 80% of accidents occurring during work hours, while women are slightly more represented—53%—in accidents suffered during their commute. Notably, Mondays see the highest frequency of these incidents, whether at work or en route.

Younger workers, aged 16 to 22, show elevated vulnerability, with incidence rates reaching 144 per 100,000 at work, and an even higher 201 per 100,000 during their commutes. The severity translates into longer absences, too: traffic accident-related sick leaves last on average 6 days longer than other workplace injuries. Specifically, in-work accidents average 32.13 days off, and commute losses are 25.28 days.

Industries and Regions Most Affected

Certain sectors bear the brunt of this traffic-related workplace risk: transport and storage, administrative activities with social services, και hospitality top the list. Geographically, Andalucía, Murcia, and the Canary Islands report accident rates well above the national average of 179 accidents per 100,000 workers, whereas Castilla y León, the Basque Country, and Cantabria experience the lowest.

Vehicles Involved in Workplace Traffic Accidents

Vehicles play a crucial role in these incidents. Light vehicles are implicated in 55% of the accidents during work hours, and 70% during commuting accidents. Two- and three-wheelers, including motorcycles and bicycles, account for about one-third of work-time crashes and over a quarter of commuting crashes. Alarmingly, the first half of 2025 saw a rise in motorcycle and bike/scooter accidents, highlighting increased vulnerability among riders.

Enhancing Safety through Training and Awareness

The severity of traffic accidents in the workplace has prompted experts to call for reinforced educational initiatives. Safety authorities emphasize the importance of raising worker awareness about road rules, vehicle maintenance, and roadway conditions to curb these alarming trends.

Supporting this, the online tool “Punto Ciego” has gathered insight from over 600 drivers across Spain about their knowledge of traffic regulations. The results reveal a worrying gap—less than 5% would pass the theoretical driving test. Additionally, 80% lack familiarity with efficient driving techniques for electric vehicles, and about half are unclear on mandatory tunnel lighting rules. These knowledge deficits underline the urgent need for comprehensive and ongoing driver education in work environments.

Voices from the Field: The Call for Continuous Education

Industry leaders stress that driver training must begin robustly at the start and continue throughout a driver’s professional life. Good driving habits, understanding basic rules, and continuous updates in safety knowledge are paramount to reducing risks. In addition to training in companies, extending education efforts to schools and collaborating with public and private entities is key to forming a widespread culture of road safety.

Successful Corporate Safety Programs and Innovations

Several companies have shared their success stories implementing advanced road safety strategies as part of workplace health and safety. Initiatives focus on raising awareness, improving vehicle conditions, and fostering a culture of proactive safety measures. These experiences highlight how intersectoral cooperation and innovative solutions can make a real difference in accident prevention.

Key Measures in Workplace Traffic Safety

• Ongoing safety training and sensitization for employees
• Regular vehicle maintenance and safety checks
• Promotion of defensive driving techniques and awareness
• Implementation of monitoring and feedback systems
• Collaborative efforts between management, insurers, and authorities

Why This Matters for Logistics and Transport

Given that the transport and storage sector is among the hardest hit, the logistics industry faces critical challenges in balancing delivery efficiency with employee safety. Traffic accidents not only jeopardize human lives but also affect supply chain continuity due to worker downtime and vehicle damages. Reducing traffic-related workplace accidents is essential for maintaining reliable freight shipments, on-time deliveries, and optimizing moving and haulage operations.

Impact on Freight and Cargo Operations

Longer sickness absences and fatal accidents can disrupt logistics workflows, resulting in parcel and container delays or increases in operational costs. Firms managing heavy loads or bulky goods must prioritize driver training and vehicle safety to ensure smooth, uninterrupted shipping and forwarding. The ripple effects go beyond individual companies, potentially influencing regional and even global transport efficiency.

Making Informed Choices with Reliable Transport Solutions

While studies and reports give invaluable information, the real test always lies in personal experience. The traffic accident risks faced by workers reflect how crucial selecting dependable, affordable transport partners is for minimizing logistical setbacks. Platforms like GetTransport.com offer versatile solutions globally—whether for office or home relocation, cargo deliveries, or transporting hefty items such as furniture, vehicles, and bulky goods—making them an excellent ally in managing freight or courier services safely and cost-effectively.

With transparent pricing and a broad spectrum of options, users can secure transportation that aligns with their needs without overspending or facing unexpected downfalls. Incorporating the best logistics practice helps streamline dispatch and distribution, reducing risk exposure.

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Looking Ahead: Logistics and Road Safety

Although this traffic accident data primarily reflects the Spanish context, its lessons reverberate across global logistics landscapes. While some regions might experience less impact, the emphasis on safety education, vehicle upkeep, and collaborative prevention strategies will benefit supply chains everywhere. At GetTransport.com, staying updated with such trends ensures that solutions evolve with shifting realities, providing clients more secure and effective freight and shipment services.

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Συμπέρασμα

Traffic accidents account for over a third of fatal workplace incidents in Spain, highlighting a critical area for safety improvements. Young workers and the transport sector face especially high risks, compounded by knowledge gaps in traffic rules and vehicle handling. Monday spikes and regions like Andalucía underscore the complexity of this challenge. Enhanced training, preventive measures, and corporate initiatives can drive down these statistics, safeguarding workers and ensuring smooth logistics operations.

For businesses involved in shipping, forwarding, haulage, or courier services, minimizing accident risks protects both personnel and supply chain integrity. GetTransport.com supports efficient, affordable, and global transport needs, helping organizations navigate these logistics demands with ease and security. When managing bulky shipments, house moves, or vehicle transport, reliable partners make all the difference.