Over the weekend at least two new traffic accidents involving two-wheeled vehicles were reported in Tenerife, one in Arona and the other in El Rosario, with the riders seriously injured in both cases.
The purchase of scooters, mopeds, and motorbikes has increased substantially since the pandemic as drivers aim to avoid traffic congestion and parking problems, plus they are much cheaper than cars, but this is leading to more accidents and injuries.
In the case of the motorcyclist from Arona, the accident took place on Calle Arquitecto Gómez Cuesta at 11:27pm on Sunday night, where onlookers called the emergency services to report that a motorcyclist needed medical assistance after colliding with a car.
The 33-year-old male was assisted by paramedics for different injuries and was transferred to the Hospiten Sur Hospital for further treatment.
The second incident was in El Rosario, where a 24-year-old man crashed his motorbike after losing control going around a corner, injuring himself with a serious hip injury. He was admitted to the University Hospital of Candelaria to be treated.
Sales of two-wheeled vehicles have increased by 55.39% in just a year, and traffic accidents of this type in Tenerife have also been increasing due to the volume of traffic, recklessness, or lack of experience, plus many are not wearing the correct protective clothing for riding a moped or motorcycle.
Motor dealers have reported falling sales of cars throughout the Canary Islands since the pandemic, partly due to lack of supply because of manufacturing problems, but also because of price increases and the ability of people to afford one. This is contributing to a clear statistic that the trend for the motorcycle market continues to increase.
However, if you are going to venture out on Canarian roads on two wheels, protect yourself. Do not wear shorts and t-shirts, at least have long sleeves and jeans, and on fast bikes full leathers. Don’t forget that gloves will protect your hands and that helmets are a legal requirement. Those roads are dangerous and very hard if you have a fall, no matter at what speed.
