Deadliest road in Spain for pedestrian fatalities is in the south of Tenerife
A new study has revealed that the stretch of the TF-1 motorway by kilometre 54, near San Isidro in the south of Tenerife, is the most dangerous piece of interurban road in Spain for fatal pedestrian accidents.
The report, “Walking Safely: Pedestrian Accidents and Risks in Spain (2014–2023)”, compiled by Fundación Línea Directa in collaboration with Fesvial, highlights the growing risks faced by pedestrians across the country.
Over the past decade, nearly 3,500 pedestrians have died in road accidents in Spain, accounting for one in five traffic fatalities. During the same period, more than 124,000 incidents involving pedestrians were recorded, leaving around 130,000 injured, of whom over 17,000 required hospitalisation.
The study also shows that in 72% of cases, pedestrians had not committed any offence at the time of the accident. However, toxicology reports indicate that 41% of those killed had consumed alcohol, drugs, or medication that impaired their reactions and perception.
Survey data from 1,700 pedestrians across Spain further underline new risks, particularly the rise of the so-called “technological pedestrian”, young people distracted by mobile phones and headphones, which reduce awareness and increase accident risk.
Key findings from the study include:
- Gender and location: Men are more likely to be struck on highways, while women are more at risk in cities.
- Age: The average age of victims is around 45, but pedestrians over 65 face double the average fatality rate.
- Type of vehicle: Cars are involved in 72% of pedestrian accidents.
- Timing: Most incidents occur during weekdays, in daylight, and are most frequent between October and December.
- Urban vs. rural: 86% of accidents take place in urban areas, but the risk of death on rural roads is eight times higher due to speed.
In cities, pedestrian collisions are the leading cause of traffic deaths, representing 42% of all fatalities. Common pedestrian infractions include crossing outside designated crossings (16%), walking on the road illegally (5%), and ignoring traffic lights (4%). Among drivers, the most frequent violations are failing to give way to pedestrians, ignoring signals, and speeding.
The study also categorises injuries: head trauma and internal bleeding in frontal impacts, limb fractures in side-front impacts, and chest or pelvic fractures in side impacts.
The findings highlight the urgent need for improved road safety measures, particularly on Tenerife’s TF-1 and Barcelona’s Gran Vía, both identified as high-risk hotspots for pedestrians.
Share:
