While nationally road deaths have fallen below 1,500 for the first time for years in Murcia the death toll on the roads has risen to 56, a rise of 16.7% and eight more than last year.
Nationally road deaths, which totalled 1,479 in 2011, have fallen by 14.5% and in Asturias and Canarias the descent in mortalities was 35.4% and 28.3% respectively.
The main causes of fatalities on the region´s roads were “speed and distraction”, according to the Provincial Head of Traffic, Francisco Jiménez. Of the 56 deaths recorded 10 were the result of vehicles leaving the road, 10 were on secondary roads and six people died on local roads.
Some 5.289 drivers in the region in 2010 were convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol and 1,286 for driving without a licence.
