Costa del Sol expat shares vital road safety advice every older pedestrian should know

Long-time Costa del Sol resident Steve has shared essential road safety advice for older pedestrians, warning that caution is necessary even when using marked crossings. Having gained experience "the hard way," he believes simple habits could help prevent serious accidents, especially for those with limited mobility. Steve emphasizes the importance of keeping alert on Spanish roads, as the amount of time given to cross a road is often very limited.

He advises drivers and pedestrians alike to stay vigilant, making eye contact when possible to ensure mutual awareness and safety.

For British visitors, Steve highlights that traffic will approach them from the right, a crucial detail to remember. Making eye contact with drivers can also make a significant difference in ensuring they see pedestrians before stepping onto a crossing. The marked crossings offer priority to pedestrians, but that does not mean they should become complacent. Steve stresses that even when using a crossing, individuals should remain alert, as not letting their guard down can be the key to avoiding accidents.

The tragic incident involving two pensioners illustrates the dangers of complacency. After stopping at a marked crossing, a reckless driver overtook the stationary vehicle and hit the elderly couple, leading to their deaths. Spain's traffic authority, the DGT, echoes these concerns, advising pedestrians to ensure approaching drivers have actually seen them before crossing.

According to official Spanish figures, 207 pedestrians died on urban roads in 2024, with people over 65 accounting for 65% of those fatalities. Steve's final piece of advice is clear: always stay alert, avoid using mobile phones while crossing, and respect other road users. For drivers, he suggests offering assistance to older pedestrians when they are crossing slowly, serving as a clear signal to all drivers to wait.

Steve's message is especially relevant for those living on the Costa del Sol, where a few extra seconds could be the difference between safety and tragedy.