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

Long-time Costa del Sol expat Steve has shared some hard-earned advice for older residents and visitors who regularly walk around Spain, warning that pedestrians need to keep their wits about them even when using a marked crossing.

Retired on the Costa del Sol, he has gained experience “the hard way” and believes a few simple habits could help prevent a serious accident. His advice is particularly relevant to older people or anyone with limited mobility, who may need longer to cross busy roads.

Why older pedestrians need to take extra care

“Whether you are a driver or a pedestrian on Spanish roads, it is essential that you keep your wits about you,” Steve says. “Road crossings are there for everyone’s benefit,” he adds, but warns that “the amount of time you are given to cross any road is very little”.

Spain’s traffic authority, the DGT, also advises pedestrians to make sure approaching drivers have actually seen them before stepping onto a crossing.

Steve’s first warning for British visitors is particularly important. “To UK visitors, traffic will approach you from the right,” he says.

Making eye contact with a driver can also make a difference. “If at all possible, make ‘eye contact’ with the driver as they wait for you to cross. That mutual acknowledgement could well save you from harm.”

Never assume a zebra crossing makes you completely safe

Marked crossings give pedestrians priority, but Steve says that does not mean people should switch off. “Using a road crossing should make you feel safe, but even so, never let your guard down.” His warning comes from a tragic incident he remembers involving two pensioners.

“Two pensioners were waiting to cross the road. It had two lanes of traffic. The driver closest to the kerb stopped, so the elderly couple started to cross. Sadly a reckless driver overtook the stationary vehicle and hit the pensioners. They died.”

DGT guidance similarly warns pedestrians not to cross until vehicles have stopped completely, particularly on roads with traffic travelling in both directions.

Put the mobile phone away when crossing

Steve also believes pedestrians have a responsibility to stay alert. “Recently I witnessed pedestrians crossing the road (whilst on their mobiles) just a few metres from where there is a crossing. Simply put, this action lends itself to an accident waiting to happen.”

Official Spanish figures stress his concern. In 2024, 207 pedestrians died on urban roads, with people aged over 65 accounting for 65 per cent of those deaths.

His final message is simple: “Always keep your wits about you. Stay off your mobile when crossing. Respect other road users.”

Steve also has a suggestion for drivers. “If you see an older person crossing slowly, offer to help them (please don’t ignore them). That will be a clear signal to all drivers to WAIT.” For anyone living on the Costa del Sol, those few extra seconds could make all the difference.