Motorcyclists account for 30% of fatal and serious road accidents in Lleida, Spain

The N-260 as it passes through the municipality of Montellà i Martinet has been identified as the most dangerous road section in the Alt Pirineu (Pyrenees) and the third most hazardous in the province of Lleida (Spain), according to the 2022–2024 Road Safety and Mobility Study published by the Royal Automobile Club of Catalonia (RACC). Presenting the report in Lleida, the RACC also highlighted growing safety concerns involving motorcyclists. Although motorcycles account for just 2.9% of traffic in the province, they are involved in nearly one in three fatal or serious road accidents, representing around 30% of all such crashes. Across the province, only two consecutive sections in the La Noguera region rank higher than the N-260 in terms of accident risk. The most dangerous stretch is the C-14 between Artesa de Segre and Ponts, followed by the C-26 between La Sentiu de Sió and Artesa de Segre. The study found that 85 fatal road accidents were recorded in the province of Lleida between 2022 and 2024, a figure broadly similar to that of the previous three-year period, despite the traffic restrictions in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. RACC President Josep Mateu noted that motorcyclists account for a disproportionately high share of road fatalities, representing 34% of all fatal crashes. According to the Catalan Traffic Service, the number of motorcycle licences issued has increased by 86% over the past decade, particularly for high-powered motorcycles, while new registrations and second-hand purchases have risen by 36%. Its director, Ramon Lamiel, said the growing popularity of motorcycles highlights the need for better rider training. He believes many of the most serious crashes are caused by a lack of riding skills, particularly among middle-aged riders. Common accidents include lane departures, single-vehicle crashes, and head-on collisions after crossing into the opposite lane. To improve safety, the Catalan Traffic Service is considering introducing special road markings on dangerous bends along the N-260 Pyrenean Axis, similar to those already installed on the Collada de Toses mountain pass between Cerdanya and Ripollès. Lamiel also announced plans to ask the Catalan Department of Territory to remove an overtaking section on the Artesa de Segre bypass, where two fatal accidents have occurred this year. The proposal includes installing highly visible solid centre lines to clearly indicate that overtaking is prohibited in this particularly hazardous area.The post Motorcyclists account for 30% of fatal and serious road accidents in Lleida, Spain first appeared on All PYRENEES.