A Shocking Sunday Afternoon on Tenerife’s Busiest Road

Yesterday afternoon, the TF-1 motorway—the main artery connecting the south of the island with Santa Cruz—was brought to a standstill after a car overturned near Las Caletillas. The accident, which occurred in the direction of the capital, led to the closure of both lanes and caused significant tailbacks stretching for several kilometres.

Emergency services, including paramedics, firefighters, and road crews, rushed to the scene. According to official reports, a man sustained injuries and required medical attention, though fortunately his condition was not life-threatening.

The Guardia Civil has now opened an investigation into the cause of the crash, while Tenerife’s Roads Department worked tirelessly to clear debris and restore traffic flow. By late evening, the motorway had been reopened, but the delays had already disrupted thousands of journeys—particularly for tourists heading back from weekend trips in the south.

The TF-1: A Vital Yet Dangerous Route

The TF-1 is not just any road. It is the lifeline of Tenerife, stretching from Santa Cruz to Adeje and carrying locals, workers, and millions of visitors every year. For tourists who choose the freedom of a rent a car Tenerife service, the motorway is often their first introduction to the island’s roads.

Yet this convenience comes with risks. High traffic density, combined with sharp turns near mountainous areas and frequent congestion, makes the TF-1 a hotspot for accidents. Sunday’s overturned vehicle is just the latest in a long list of incidents that underline the urgent need for caution.

Past Accidents on the TF-1: A Troubled History

This is far from the first time that a dramatic accident has paralysed Tenerife’s busiest motorway:

• 2018: A multiple-car collision near Güímar injured several people and left traffic backed up for over five hours.

• 2020: A rental car carrying British tourists skidded near Arico during heavy rain, overturning on the motorway and drawing attention to weather-related hazards.

• 2022: An early-morning crash near Candelaria involving two vehicles, one of them a rented SUV, caused massive delays for commuters heading to Santa Cruz.

• 2023: A German tourist driving a rental vehicle lost control at excessive speed near Adeje, colliding with the central barrier. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported.

Each of these cases serves as a reminder that, while rent a car Tenerife gives visitors the freedom to explore the island, it also requires responsibility, patience, and respect for local traffic conditions.

Why Rental Cars Are Often Involved

Many of the vehicles involved in motorway accidents are rental cars, and the reasons are not surprising. Tourists are often unfamiliar with the island’s road layouts, signage, and driving culture. The TF-1, in particular, can be intimidating for those used to quieter highways. Combine this with fatigue after flights, distractions from GPS devices, or the temptation to drive faster on open stretches, and accidents become more likely.

Local police have repeatedly stressed that visitors using rent a car Tenerife must adapt to the unique challenges of the island’s terrain: sharp coastal curves, sudden altitude changes, and stretches of motorway where crosswinds can destabilise vehicles.

How to Act in the Event of an Accident

Authorities also took the opportunity to remind drivers of the importance of quick and safe reactions during emergencies. The Spanish Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) promotes the PAS protocol:

• Protect: Safeguard the accident area by turning on hazard lights, putting on reflective vests, and setting up warning triangles.

• Alert: Dial 112 immediately and provide precise details of the location and the number of injured.

• Assist: Help victims if it is safe, without moving them unless absolutely necessary, and follow the instructions of emergency responders.

These steps are crucial, especially on high-speed motorways like the TF-1, where secondary collisions can be even more dangerous than the initial crash.

Lessons for Visitors: Safety First

For those planning to explore the island with a rent a car Tenerife, Sunday’s incident should serve as a warning. Driving in Tenerife offers unparalleled freedom—whether heading to Teide National Park, the golden sands of Las Teresitas, or the southern resorts—but safety must always come first.

Tourists are advised to:

• Respect local speed limits, even if traffic seems to be flowing faster.

• Avoid risky overtaking on curves and congested areas.

• Stay alert during sudden weather changes, particularly heavy rain and strong winds.

• Allow extra travel time, especially on Sundays when traffic on the TF-1 is heavier.

Conclusion: Responsibility on the Road

The overturned car near Las Caletillas may not have resulted in fatalities, but it was a stark reminder of how fragile safety can be on Tenerife’s main motorway. Every driver—local or foreign, resident or tourist—shares the same responsibility to protect themselves and others.

The freedom of a rent a car Tenerife experience should go hand in hand with caution, preparation, and respect for the road. With millions of journeys made each year, accidents can never be completely avoided, but greater awareness can prevent the most serious consequences.