The Spanish authorities on Friday launched a special operation to reduce highway accidents for the upcoming Christmas holidays.

Over 500 officers and 9,150 civil guards were expected to be deployed along some 2,350 km of highways in the country.

The authorities foresaw some 17.4 million trips to be paid in the country, noting 100 people died on highways during Christmas holidays last year with an average of six per day, lower from 2000's 13 per day.

The highways linking winter sports sites, winter tourist attractions and shopping centers will be most affected during the Christmas season, said the authorities.

This operation is due to end on Jan. 7, 2009.