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Date Published: 06/10/2026

Distracted driving blamed for a third of Málaga crashes with victims

The DGT has stepped up checks after 163 accidents in the province were linked to drivers losing focus

Málaga recorded almost three road accidents involving victims every day during the first half of 2026, with distracted driving emerging as the leading contributing factor.

There were 504 such accidents in the province between January 1 and June 30, according to figures from the DGT. In 163 cases, around 32% of the total, distraction was identified as a factor.

Those incidents resulted in five deaths, 24 people being admitted to hospital and a further 238 people suffering injuries not requiring hospital treatment.

The DGT has now launched a special campaign targeting distractions behind the wheel, running until Sunday October 11. It is being supported by the Guardia Civil traffic unit, Policía Local forces in participating municipalities and volunteers from ASPAYM, the national federation representing people with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities.

The message is a simple one, but it bears repeating. A moment spent glancing at a screen, searching for something in the car or allowing the mind to wander can have serious consequences.

The DGT describes distraction as “a significant risk factor” on the roads. It can be visual, auditory, physical or mental, and can lead to slower reactions, vehicles drifting from their lane and drivers missing what is happening around them.

Mobile phones remain a particular concern. Across Spain last year, 47.4% of traffic offences involved phone use while driving. European figures based on drivers’ own reports show that 51% use hands-free devices at the wheel, while 22% admit to holding the phone for conversations and 23% say they read messages or check social media while driving.

Distracted driving is also behind more than a quarter of fatal accidents in Murcia so far this year.

Last year’s equivalent campaign in Malaga checked 36,893 vehicles. Of the 6,782 stopped in urban areas, 160 drivers were reported, or 2.36%. On interurban roads, 436 of the 30,111 vehicles checked were reported, a rate of 1.45%.

The latest operation follows a particularly busy summer on Málaga’s roads. More than 4.6 million journeys were recorded in July and August, a period which ended with 10 people killed in eight accidents.

With traffic returning to its usual rhythm after the holiday season, the campaign is a reminder that the safest habit is also the easiest one: keep your attention on the road.

Image: Usman Malik/Unsplash

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