Por Redaccion 
Currently in the Principality there are 40 fixed radars, 24 cabins, and 16 rotating radars. 6 new ones will be installed this year.
Asturias recorded 1,944 accidents with victims last year, with a total of 37 fatalities, 221 hospitalized injuries, and 2,345 non-hospitalized injuries. In urban areas, there was a significant increase compared to 2023, with an increase of 96 accidents (+9%), four additional fatalities (+67%), and more hospitalized (+13) and non-hospitalized injuries (+64).
On the other hand, in interurban roads there was a decrease in fatalities (-11), although accidents with victims slightly increased (+6). In 2024, 27 people lost their lives on these types of roads, 11 fewer than in 2023, with 121 hospitalized injuries and 1,087 non-hospitalized injuries.
Within interurban roads, the majority of accidents occur outside of highways and expressways, with 80% of accidents with victims (662), 22 fatalities (81%), 99 hospitalized injuries (82%), and 830 non-hospitalized injuries (76%).
These data were provided by the provincial head of Traffic in Asturias, Raquel Casado, during the XI Plenary Meeting of the Traffic, Road Safety, and Sustainable Mobility Commission of the Principality of Asturias, chaired by the Government Delegate in Asturias, Adriana Lastra Fernández, who addressed the main challenges and advances in road safety in the region in Oviedo. Among the topics discussed, a detailed analysis of road traffic accidents in 2024 and planned actions for 2025 were presented.
The means of transportation with the highest number of fatalities were cars with 16 (59%) and motorcycles with 5 (19%), with a significant decrease in the mortality rate of this vehicle that caused 15 fatalities in 2023.
Regarding the use of safety accessories, it was highlighted that five out of sixteen people who died as car users (31%) were not wearing seat belts at the time of the accident.
URBAN ROADS
In terms of urban roads, there has been an increase in accidents compared to 2023, reaching 1,117 accidents with victims (+96), 10 fatalities (+4), 100 hospitalized injuries (+13), and 1,258 non-hospitalized injuries (+64). Regarding fatalities, 5 were pedestrians, 3 were motorcycle users, 1 was a car user, and 1 was another vehicle user.
PERSONAL MOBILITY VEHICLES (VMP)
VMPs continue to show an upward trend in accidents. In 2024, there were 107 accidents with victims, compared to 15 in 2020. These accidents resulted in seven hospitalized injuries and ninety-four non-hospitalized injuries.
RADARS AND SPEED CONTROL
The meeting also highlighted the role of radars in improving road safety. Since the implementation of the first radar plan in Asturias (2005-2007), they have been progressively installed, reaching the current 24 cabins and 16 rotating radars. In 2024, five new radars were added on conventional roads, and six more devices are planned to be installed by 2025.
CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS
On the other hand, the chief commander of the Traffic Sector in Asturias, Gerardo Suárez Gorris, emphasized that the main causes behind fatal accidents were distracted driving, alcohol consumption, and speeding. Violations related to distractions and speed increased by 18% and 16%, respectively, compared to 2023.
Planned actions for this year include the progressive renewal of information panels, the installation of additional cameras at strategic points, and studies to dynamically adjust speed on viaducts. Additionally, rotating educational radars will be implemented in crossings to promote safe driving.