The Canary Islands Institute of Statistics (ISTAC) has published its consolidated annual report on traffic accidents for the 2024 fiscal year. It is important to note that, although we are currently in 2026, these represent the most recent definitive official figures. This temporal lag is common and necessary in official road accident statistics; it requires an exhaustive data consolidation process by the DGT (which includes unifying reports from different security forces and, crucially, 30-day medical follow-up of the injured) before being validated and transferred to regional bodies.
The report reveals a generalized decrease in accidents on the archipelago's roads, with the notable exception of the island of La Palma. Despite the positive regional trend, the number of fatalities remains a significant challenge for road safety in the islands.
According to the data, the 9.8% reduction compared to the 4,270 accidents recorded in 2023 was reflected in almost the entire territory. The case of El Hierro stands out, where no accidents with victims occurred, while on La Palma, accidents experienced an atypical increase of 13.5%. In total, 5,467 people were affected (killed or injured), representing a 7.5% drop in human impact compared to the previous year.
The grim toll of fatalities: Motorcyclists, the most vulnerable group
Despite the reduction in the total number of accidents, 69 people lost their lives on the Canary Islands roads. The geographical distribution of these tragedies places Tenerife, by a large margin, as the island with the highest number of fatalities, reaching 33 cases (practically half of the regional total). Gran Canaria follows with 22 deaths, Lanzarote with 10, and Fuerteventura with 4. On a positive note, La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Palma achieved the goal of 'zero fatalities' on their roads during that year.
The analysis details a worrying reality for two-wheeled vehicle users. Accidents involving motorcycles and mopeds claimed the lives of 27 people, accounting for 39.1% of the total deaths. Practically, 4 out of every 10 fatalities on the Canary Islands roads were motorcyclists. This group is followed by pedestrians, with 18 deaths from being run over (26.1%), and car occupants, with 17 fatalities.
By type of road, urban areas accounted for 51% of accidents (with Tenerife and Gran Canaria registering more urban than interurban accidents). Collisions between vehicles were the most common type, accounting for 56.7% of cases.
Expert legal advice after an accident in Tenerife
Given this high concentration of accidents and fatalities on the island of Tenerife, experts warn that having adequate legal support in the event of a traffic accident is fundamental.
When injuries or material damage occur, the correct management of claims to insurance companies is the most vital step to ensure fair compensation and prevent abuses.
In this context, law firms with deep roots and extensive experience on the island, such as Florián de Tomás Abogados, emerge as a key resource for those affected and their families.
With three generations of legal practice and its headquarters in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Florián de Tomás Abogados (under the direction of lawyers such as Manuel Florián de Tomás Martí and Manuel Florián de Tomás Velázquez) stands out for its high specialization in civil liability and the management of compensation for traffic accidents. The firm offers advice focused on transparency, ensuring that victims on Tenerife's roads receive the professional, agile, and rigorous support they need in the delicate moments following an incident.
