175 km/h on the Ma-13: Speeding as a Criminal Offense — What the Case Really Shows

175 km/h on the Ma-13: More than just a flash photo

On November 12, a 52-year-old resident was photographed by a civilian vehicle of the Guardia Civil on the Ma-13 heading toward Alcúdia at 175 km/h — the limit on that section is 80 km/h. At first glance the report reads like one of those items you skim while sipping your coffee on the Plaça and then move on. But the case lingers and raises questions that we on Mallorca should not simply wave away.

The central question: Why do people drive so fast?

Is it pure recklessness? A momentary distraction? Or is there more behind it: the road environment, speed limits, enforcement and our local driving culture? On the Ma-13, between Palma and Alcúdia, you meet commuters in the morning, day-trippers at noon and delivery van drivers in the evening. Wind from the Tramuntana can suddenly shake a car, the curves are tight, and visibility can change within minutes. In this environment, speeding quickly becomes dangerous — not only for those who commit it, but for everyone on the road.

What is often overlooked in public discussion

First: many debates focus on penalties. Yes, for an excess of this magnitude there can even be criminal consequences, up to imprisonment or a multi-year driving ban. Less often discussed are structural issues: How clear are the signs along the route? How visible are mobile radar points — and does the use of civilian vehicles reduce public acceptance of enforcement? Also: what role does risk perception play? A local driver who knows the stretch "inside and out" may underestimate the danger because they have driven the curves a thousand times.

Little considered is also how traffic safety measures are distributed over time. Mobile speed checks create punctual deterrence — but they rarely change driving behavior in the long term. And: data on the frequency and placement of such controls are often not published transparently enough, so residents can hardly see whether hotspots are actually being addressed.

Concrete opportunities and approaches

The discussion about fines and punitive measures should not be the only focus. Practical, proportionate measures could include:

1. Average speed measurement. On long stretches like the Ma-13 it reduces isolated bursts of speeding and creates predictable consequences.

2. Clearer signage and repeat warnings. Especially where limits change frequently, additional notices help — including illuminated signs during the darker months.

3. More prevention instead of only punishment. Driving courses, mandatory traffic seminars for extreme violations, cooperation with motorist clubs and resident associations.

4. Better data sharing. If authorities publish crash and measurement data, municipalities can respond more precisely: speed adjustments, repairing curves or adding guardrails.

5. Psychological approaches. Campaigns that do more than threaten, communicating locally — for example with voices of bus drivers, farmers or emergency personnel speaking from their own experience.

What this concretely means for the island

On Mallorca the traffic situation is particularly fragile: tourism, locals, trucks and agricultural vehicles often share the same road. In the late afternoon on the Ma-13 you hear the deep rumble of a regional bus; there is no tram-like click of brakes — but there is the rush of wind against car windows when the Tramuntana comes. Such everyday sounds remind us that speed is not just numbers, but has real consequences.

The case of the 52-year-old is being processed legally. But regardless of the outcome, the discussion should continue: how can speed and quality of life on the island be better balanced? One last word in closing: you don't win friends with an ill-considered overtaking maneuver — but when necessary, minutes of sensible caution are better. Better ten minutes late and safe than on time in the newspaper.