During the period designated as Operation New Year, Portugal’s road police services have registered five dead and 17 seriously injured in 499 road traffic accidents to lunchtime on Sunday.
A further 141 people have been injured making the casualty rate higher than last year despite a huge police presence on the roads over the holiday period.
Compared to the same period last year when there were two dead and four seriously injured but in fewer accidents, the figures are not good with the predicted rise in vehicle numbers this afternoon and evening as people drive back home after extended breaks.
The roads north will be especially dangerous as they already are crowded and wet.
The GNR advises motorists to slow down in poor weather conditions and drive "prudently and safely."
Operation 'New Year' ends at midnight tonight after which the total death toll will be released but already it is not looking good.
Two Portuguese nationals died in a road accident in Burgos, Spain, this morning in an accident on the AP-1.
The men, named as Albufeira resident Agostinho Carvalhosa, and José Vieira from Portimão worked for Primafrio, a Spanish transport company.
The Castile and Leon Emergency Department reported that a truck left the road at Briviesca, Burgos, at about 05:30 and that the two dead were Portuguese nationals. The truck in which they were travelling left the road, careered down an escarpment and burst into flames.
