A Guardia Civil Traffic motorcyclist was involved in a collision with a rental car near the Achipenque viewpoint in Tenerife on Thursday afternoon, on the TF-454 road leading to the coastal area of Puerto de Santiago.
While the accident caused some minor injuries to the officer, it has not resulted in significant consequences.
Details of the incident quickly circulated on WhatsApp claiming that the officer was knocked off his back by the car, however, photographic evidence from the scene suggests otherwise.
The images indicate that the officer’s BMW R1250RT motorcycle collided with the rear of the Peugeot rental car, operated by OK Mobility. The rental car, visibly positioned across the road in the aftermath of the collision, bore signs of the impact, while the Guardia Civil motorbike lay on its side nearby.
The officer reportedly sustained an injury to his hand but was otherwise unharmed. The Guardia Civil Union (AUGC) stated that while the accident was minor, they are concerned about police safety.
Call for Recognition of Professional Risk
The AUGC has used this incident to reiterate its demands for the recognition of the Guardia Civil’s duties as a high-risk profession. The union recently highlighted issues surrounding outdated protective gear issued to officers in Tenerife’s Traffic Unit.
Specifically, they raised concerns over motorcycle jackets with expired protective materials, stemming from a 2010 equipment procurement.
Protective equipment, such as Kevlar helmets and padding in jackets and trousers, are subject to degradation over time. Manufacturers typically recommend replacement every ten years to maintain safety standards. However, the jackets in question are nearly 14 years old, raising serious doubts about their effectiveness.
