Tenerife Tops Traffic Accident Statistics in the Canary Islands for 2024

Tenerife has been identified as the region with the highest incidence of traffic accidents across the Canary Islands for the year 2024, according to a recent analysis.

Overview of Traffic Accident Trends in the Canary Islands

A comprehensive report released by the Canary Islands Statistical Institute (Istac) reveals that Tenerife was responsible for a staggering 47.1% of all traffic accidents recorded in the archipelago last year. In comparison, Gran Canaria followed closely behind, accounting for 35.3% of the total incidents.

In total, the Canary Islands experienced 3,854 traffic accidents in 2024, reflecting a decrease from the previous year’s total of 4,270. While most islands reported a decline in accidents, La Palma stood out with a significant increase of 13.5%. Interestingly, El Hierro reported no traffic accidents at all during this period, highlighting a stark contrast to the trends observed in other regions.

Casualties and Fatalities: A Closer Look

The total number of individuals impacted by traffic incidents, which encompasses both injuries and fatalities, reached 5,467 in 2024, indicating a 7.5% decrease from the previous year. Among these incidents, 67 fatalities were recorded, which represents 1.6% of the total accidents. Notably, Lanzarote had the highest fatality rate at 3.4%.

When examining the fatalities in detail, Tenerife and Gran Canaria reported the highest numbers, with 33 and 22 deaths respectively. Lanzarote followed with 10 fatalities, while Fuerteventura recorded four. Remarkably, La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Palma did not report any fatalities in 2024, showcasing their relative safety in terms of traffic-related deaths.

Analyzing Accident Types and Their Implications

Motorcycle and scooter accidents emerged as particularly hazardous, accounting for 27 fatalities, which constitutes 39.1% of all traffic-related deaths. The majority of these fatalities involved motorcyclists, with pedestrian deaths following closely at 18, making up 26.1% of the total, and 17 fatalities among car occupants.

Urban roads were the scene of 51% of all traffic accidents in the Canary Islands during 2024, with a notably higher incidence of urban incidents in Gran Canaria and Tenerife compared to rural areas. In contrast, La Gomera and La Palma reported that only one in ten accidents occurred on urban roads, indicating a significant discrepancy in accident distribution across the islands.

Vehicle collisions emerged as the predominant cause of accidents, totaling 2,184 incidents, which represents 56.7% of all traffic accidents. Other notable causes included vehicles leaving the road, which accounted for 729 incidents, pedestrian accidents at 459, and falls at 314. Among fatal accidents, incidents involving vehicles leaving the road were particularly prevalent, comprising 44.8% of such cases, while collisions accounted for 25.4%.

Of the 69 fatalities recorded in 2024, 30 were attributed to vehicles leaving the road, while 19 resulted from collisions and 17 from pedestrian accidents. Among those injured, a significant 62% were involved in vehicle collisions, while 18% were victims of incidents where vehicles left the road, underscoring the critical need for enhanced road safety measures.

Key points

• Tenerife accounted for 47.1% of traffic accidents in the Canary Islands in 2024.
• A total of 3,854 accidents were reported across the islands, down from 4,270 in 2023.
• La Palma saw a 13.5% increase in traffic accidents, while El Hierro had none.
• 69 fatalities were recorded in 2024, with Tenerife and Gran Canaria having the highest death tolls.
• Motorcycle and scooter accidents accounted for 39.1% of traffic-related deaths.
• Urban roads were involved in 51% of all traffic accidents in the archipelago.
• Vehicle collisions were the leading cause of accidents, followed by vehicles leaving the road.