Portugal records nearly 300 road fatalities in 2026, pushes safety reforms

Data from the Autoridade Nacional de Segurança Rodoviária show that 285 people have died in road accidents in Portugal up to 30 July 2026, with 87,655 collisions reported since January. The districts of Lisbon, Porto, Leiria and Santarém account for the highest death tolls, together responsible for 125 fatalities. While the death count is below the 2019 peak of 294, 2026 leads in serious injuries, with 1,537 severe and 24,075 minor injuries.

The Ministry of Internal Administration has responded by reinstating the GNR traffic brigade and expanding speed‑camera coverage. In Lisbon, the municipal government under Mayor Carlos Moedas is pursuing a “zero deaths by 2030” goal, part of the national Strategic Road Safety Plan approved in June. Measures include lowering speed limits on key avenues, installing anti‑slip pavement, improving signage, and deploying a rapid‑response team that assesses accident sites within 48 hours. The city’s “Bairros 30” projects also upgrade crosswalks, add pedestrian barriers and curb illegal parking to further reduce risk.