Three Fatal Crashes Over Long Weekend

Three men over the age of 50 died in separate motorcycle crashes across Catalonia during the October 12 long weekend, according to the Servei Català de Trànsit (Catalan Traffic Service). The first fatality occurred on the C-65 in Girona when a 50-year-old man collided with a car. The second was in Castelló d’Empúries, also in Girona, where a 58-year-old man died in a collision between two motorcycles on the C-260. On Monday, a 60-year-old motorcyclist died after leaving the road on the T-700 in Vimbodí i Poblet, Tarragona.

Age and Risk: A Growing Concern

Ramón Lamiel, director of the Servei Català de Trànsit, stated on Bon dia, Barcelona that motorcyclists aged over 50 represent the most vulnerable group on Catalan roads. He explained that this demographic is the largest group of riders and that physical and cognitive faculties decline with age.

As we get older, our skills are not the same as they were years ago,

said Lamiel, highlighting reduced risk perception among older riders. He noted that between 40 and 50 motorcyclists die annually in Catalonia, a figure that has only been contained in very few years. Lamiel called for increased safety training to allow older riders to continue enjoying motorcycling more safely.

Storm Warning System in Development

Lamiel also announced that the Servei Català de Trànsit is developing a real-time severe weather alert system for drivers. Using artificial intelligence and distributed camera detectors, the system will identify dangerous weather patterns and display warnings on roadside signs. The initial rollout will focus on the Eix Pirinenc, a mountain corridor prone to sudden weather changes, though no implementation date has been confirmed. The project is currently in progress, with gantries and technology soon to be installed.

Elsewhere in Catalonia on Catalan.News: Motorcyclist dies in crash on C-65 in Girona.

Primary sources: idescat.cat, transit.gencat.cat, Servei Català de Trànsit. Reported by beteve.cat, reusdigital.cat, saladeprensa.racc.es, betevé.