Published 15 September 2026 | Community

TL;DR: Almeria launches a week-long campaign targeting pedestrian safety and illegal use of electric scooters on rural roads , involving increased roadside checks and new regulations for personal mobility vehicles.

Pedestrian and Scooter Safety in Almeria Roads

Dual Focus on Pedestrians and E-Scooters

From September 16 to 22, Almeria’s Provincial Traffic Headquarters and the Civil Guard Traffic Group are rolling out a targeted safety campaign. It aims to protect pedestrians on roads and crack down on the unauthorized use of personal mobility vehicles (PMVs), including electric scooters, on interurban roads where they are prohibited. The dual approach reflects concern over rising accidents involving vulnerable road users outside urban areas.

Recent Accident Statistics Highlight Risks

Between 2019 and 2025, 28 people died after being hit by vehicles on roads in the province, with 17 fatalities occurring on conventional roads. The year 2026 has already recorded two additional pedestrian deaths. Meanwhile, traffic incidents involving PMVs have been a steady problem. From 2021 to 2025, there were 199 recorded accidents involving electric scooters and similar devices, resulting in 19 people hospitalized and 184 sustaining minor injuries. These figures underpin the authorities’ decision to intensify enforcement.

Roadside Checks and Education Efforts

During previous campaigns, such as the one in May 2026, police checked hundreds of pedestrians and handed out reflective vests to those without adequate visibility gear. In that operation, 326 pedestrians were monitored and 40 reflective vests were distributed. On the other side, illegal PMV use on rural roads led to 186 fines, each costing 200 euros. This upcoming push continues those efforts, focusing especially on areas with a history of accidents or frequent PMV misuse.

Pedestrian Safety Rules on Roads

Authorities remind the public that pedestrians on roads should walk on the left side, facing oncoming vehicles to better judge approaching traffic and avoid accidents. Walking on the right is only advised if the road or traffic circumstances make it safer. If there is a shoulder, pedestrians should use it; if not, they must stay close to the roadside, walking single file if in a group.

Crossing roads should be done only at spots with good visibility—avoiding curves, hills, or any obstructions like trees or parked cars. Pedestrians must never linger on the roadway or shoulder and should wait in safe zones or shelters. On highways and motorways, pedestrians are not allowed except in emergencies, and in such cases, anyone exiting a vehicle must wear a high-visibility vest. These rules aim to reduce the risk of collisions and fatalities.

New Regulations for Personal Mobility Vehicles

PMVs, which cover electric scooters, are only allowed on urban streets—use on interurban roads, urban tunnels, or main highways remains banned. Despite this, thousands continue to ignore the restriction, triggering nearly 2,000 sanctions since 2023. Almeria has recorded increased accidents linked to these vehicles on roads outside cities, with three fatal incidents between 2025 and 2026.

To enhance safety, since January 30, 2026, all PMVs must be officially registered and carry liability insurance. Nearly 6,000 electric scooters in the province have completed this process. Further changes coming into force on October 1 will require riders to wear certified helmets, be at least 15 years old, and carry a light or reflective item when riding in the dark or poor visibility. These rules seek to bring more order and protection to a mode of transport that remains popular but risky when used improperly.

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Almeria’s coordinated campaign highlights the ongoing challenges of protecting pedestrians and regulating electric scooters outside city limits. Combining enforcement with public awareness could be vital in preventing future accidents on the province’s roads.

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