Tragic Road Accidents: 10 Lives Lost in Just Five Days in Portugal

GNR Reports Alarming Road Safety Figures

The National Republican Guard (GNR) has reported a staggering 1,144 accidents over the past five days, resulting in 10 fatalities and 33 serious injuries since the commencement of the 2024/2025 Christmas and New Year operation at midnight on December 20.

Age Range of Victims

The victims ranged in age from 19 to 76 years old. The causes of these fatalities included:

• Four rollovers
• Three motorcycle accidents
• One light vehicle incident
• Three collisions
• Three pedestrian accidents

Locations of Accidents

Significant incidents occurred at various locations, including:

• EN125 in Albufeira (Faro)
• Fonte Coberta in Barcelos (Braga)
• EN119 in Biscainho (Santarém)
• A23 in Benquerenças (Castelo Branco)
• Ponte Barão in Boliqueime (Faro)
• IP2 in Beja
• IC2 in Santa Maria da Feira (Aveiro)
• Pedroso in Vila Nova de Gaia (Porto)
• A19 in Leiria
• Oliveira do Bairro in Aveiro

Enforcement Actions

During this period, the GNR has also conducted checks on 50,197 drivers, leading to:

• 572 driving under the influence of alcohol
• 286 arrests for blood alcohol levels at or above 1.2 g/l
• 89 arrests for driving without a valid license

The GNR has identified a total of 7,816 traffic violations, including:

• 2,364 for speeding
• 286 for alcohol-related offenses
• 238 for improper seatbelt use
• 173 for mobile phone use while driving
• 813 for lack of mandatory vehicle inspection
• 252 for lacking compulsory civil liability insurance

Continued Monitoring

The GNR will maintain its focus on preventing driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, speeding, and the improper use of mobile phones throughout the operation, which concludes on January 2. They will also monitor seatbelt compliance, vehicle inspections, insurance status, and safe driving maneuvers.