In a scenario that seems encouraging but hides a harsh reality, the road accident data in Cuba for the past month of April reveals a concerning paradox: while the total number of accidents decreased compared to the same month last year, the number of fatalities increased.
At the end of April, a total of 2,377 traffic accidents were recorded, a decrease of 150 incidents compared to April 2024.
However, the accidents were more deadly: deaths increased, despite the fact that the number of injuries also decreased, reported the official newspaper Granma.
An infographic shared by the National Transit Directorate shows that provinces such as Granma, Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, and Sancti Spíritus recorded an increase in both injuries and fatalities.
According to Colonel Roberto Rodríguez Fernández, head of the Specialized Traffic Body, human factors were involved in 91% of accidents, confirming that the most common causes include lack of attention to vehicle control, failure to obey traffic signals, improper overtaking, and not yielding to pedestrians.
Speeding, in particular, is associated with 21% of deaths.
Accidents involving pedestrians, although reduced by 18%, remain the most dangerous. The lack of risk perception and the disregard for rules by both pedestrians and drivers are recurring factors, the organization noted.
The days with the highest number of accidents are Mondays and Wednesdays, while Sundays and Tuesdays are the deadliest. The most critical time frame is between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., according to the statistics.
A concerning fact is that motorcycles and mopeds – the numbers of which continue to rise – were responsible for more than half of the accidents and 25% of the total fatalities.
A rise in accident rates among young drivers aged 21 to 25 and seniors over 70 was also observed.
Regarding the conditions of the roads, while 8% of the accidents were connected to the deterioration of the infrastructure, this factor is considered more of an aggravating circumstance than a direct cause.
As part of the response to the situation, over 235,000 fines were imposed, 344 driver's licenses were revoked, and more than 61,000 technical inspections were conducted on public roads.
Despite this, the Minister of Transportation, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, acknowledged that the results are not satisfactory and called for strengthening prevention and control measures.
Rodríguez Dávila proposed to increase educational outreach on road safety, intensify awareness campaigns for both drivers and pedestrians, and expand alcohol testing controls throughout the country.
The authorities announced that a comparative report for the first four months of 2025 with the same period in 2024 will be published soon, in an effort to identify patterns and more effective solutions. However, authorities rarely acknowledge or thoroughly address the structural issues that lead to accidents, such as the poor condition of the roads and the country's vehicle fleet, for which the regime offers no solution.
Frequently asked questions about the current situation of traffic accidents in Cuba
Why have traffic accident fatalities increased in Cuba despite a decrease in the number of accidents?
The increase in deaths is primarily due to the severity of accidents, where human factors play a crucial role. Despite fewer incidents, those that occur are more lethal due to a lack of attention while driving, disregard for traffic signals, and speeding.
What are the main causes of traffic accidents in Cuba?
The main causes of accidents are lack of attention while driving, disregard for right of way, and speeding. Additionally, alcohol consumption and distractions, such as using a cell phone, significantly contribute to the incidence of accidents.
What role do motorcycles and mopeds play in traffic accidents in Cuba?
Motorcycles and mopeds are responsible for more than half of accidents and a quarter of all fatalities. The lack of driving licenses and speeding are common causes of these accidents, especially among young drivers.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to reduce traffic accidents?
The government has implemented measures such as the imposition of fines, cancellation of licenses, and conducting technical inspections. Additionally, campaigns to raise awareness about road safety and alcohol testing are being intensified. However, there are criticisms for not sufficiently addressing the deterioration of the roads.
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