Spanish public call for measures to reduce mortality rates on roads

While the year 2015 may have seen the lowest number of deaths on Spanish roads since 1960, most Spaniards believe that number can be reduced further, according to a study published by the Spanish Center for Sociological Investigation (CIS) on Monday.

According to Spain's General Direction of Traffic, 1,126 people died on Spanish roads last year, 2,238 less than the 3,464 who died in 2004 and 4,814 fewer than 1989's record high of 5,940 deaths.

The CIS study showed Spaniards believe the majority of accidents are caused by human error and the use of alcohol and drugs.

A total of 28 percent of the over 2,400 people asked said they wanted more police and controls on the road, while 21.2 percent highlighted the need to more campaigns to educate drivers and a further 14.2 percent believe roads surfaces and signals need improving.

The investigation also showed that while drivers are unwilling to admit to their own failings behind the steering wheel, they do believe others make mistakes. For example, while 63 percent of those asked said they never drove faster than the speed limit, 94 percent believed that others did so on a regular basis.

Meanwhile, seven out of 10 drivers insisted they never drove "after having a couple of drinks," but less than 1 percent believed others didn't drink and drive.

Three out of 10 admitted crossing a traffic light on amber, while 75 percent insisted they never used their mobile phones while driving. Endit