Substance Use Linked to 60% of Fatal Road Accidents in Canary Islands

Road safety in the Canary Islands has reached a critical point, with a concerning number of fatal accidents involving alcohol, drugs, or psychotropic medication. According to the International Association of Professionals for Road Safety (AIPSEV), which analyzed data from the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, 60% of fatal accidents in the islands involve these substances. This is eight percentage points higher than the national average of 50%.

This trend is highlighted by tragic incidents like the one in Las Zocas, San Miguel de Abona, late last year. A motorcyclist was killed after a collision with a driver who failed to yield and later tested positive for both alcohol and narcotics. Experts warn that this is not an isolated case, but part of an alarming statistical pattern.

The report examined 62 fatalities—including drivers and pedestrians—and found that 36 had traces of substances in their systems. The impact was slightly higher in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which recorded 20 positive cases out of 36, compared to 16 out of 26 in Las Palmas.

The data shows that substance use is widespread across all types of road users:

• Motorcyclists: 14 out of 22 tested positive.
• Car drivers: 14 out of 20 tested positive.
• Pedestrians: Six out of 11 tested positive, often due to psychotropic medication.
• Cyclists: Both individuals tested were positive.

The National Institute of Toxicology, based in La Laguna, notes a rising trend in the use of cocaine and cannabis. Many cases involve "polydrug use," with some drivers testing positive for up to five different substances at once. This combination of alcohol, drugs, and medication significantly impairs reaction times and decision-making, prompting experts to call for stronger prevention and control measures across the islands.