A traffic accident between a motorcycle and a car occurred on Tuesday morning near the Calabazar bridge in Havana, leaving visible damage to both vehicles.
The incident was reported on social media by Eliandris Quintero Díaz, who shared images and a video of the accident in the group Facebook ACCIDENTES BUSES & CAMIONES for more experience and fewer victims.
In the posts, two vehicles can be seen with significant structural damage, stopped in the middle of the road without police presence, at least during the initial moments after the crash, as confirmed by Quintero Díaz in the post.
According to the details provided, the accident occurred between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m., and when he passed by the site, the police had not yet arrived.
Another group user specified that the exact location of the accident was in front of the entrance to the company Gelma, between Pinar Street and the aforementioned bridge, near the Capri neighborhood.
So far, it has not been confirmed whether there were any injuries, although witnesses indicate that, fortunately, there did not appear to be any serious victims.
The context: a worrying reality
Although in the first quarter of 2025 the authorities reported a reduction in the total number of traffic accidents compared to previous years, the data reveals an alarming trend: deaths have increased, particularly among motorcycle, moped, and bicycle taxi drivers, as well as among pedestrians.
Between January and April, the National Road Safety Commission reported 3,035 accidents, with 2,670 injured and 290 fatalities.
Motorcycles and mopeds, increasingly common in the country, were involved in more than half of the accidents and accounted for 25% of the deaths.
In May, the newspaper Granma reported that, although accidents had decreased, the incidents were more deadly.
The head of the Specialized Transit Body, Colonel Roberto Rodríguez Fernández, explained that human factors were present in 91% of the cases.
The most common causes were: speeding, distractions while driving, disrespect for traffic signs, and improper overtaking.
In addition, the most dangerous time frame remains between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM, although morning accidents are not uncommon.
The authorities, as part of addressing this situation, have issued over 235,000 fines, canceled 344 driving licenses, and conducted more than 61,000 technical inspections on public roads during the first months of the year.
Risks persist
The incident on Tuesday serves as a new reminder of the daily risks on the road, especially in a capital where the vehicle fleet has diversified without the infrastructure or road safety culture keeping pace with the change.
While the exact causes of the accident in Calabazar are still unknown, its rapid spread on social media reflects a growing public concern about the high frequency of such incidents.
The authorities have not issued an official report on this accident so far.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traffic Accidents in Cuba
What are the main causes of traffic accidents in Cuba?
The main causes of traffic accidents in Cuba are speeding, driver distraction, disregard for traffic signals, and improper overtaking. Additionally, human factors are present in 91% of cases. Lack of attention to vehicle control and driving under the influence of alcohol are also common causes, combined with poor road conditions and vehicle maintenance.
Why have traffic accident deaths increased in Cuba?
Traffic accident fatalities in Cuba have risen despite a decrease in the total number of accidents. This increase is attributed to the high lethality of the incidents, particularly among motorcycle riders, moped drivers, and pedestrians. Factors such as poor road conditions and lack of proper signage also contribute to this rise.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to reduce traffic accidents?
The Cuban government has implemented control measures such as imposing fines, revoking driving licenses, and conducting technical inspections on the roads. However, these actions have not effectively addressed the structural causes of accidents, such as the deterioration of roads and the lack of road maintenance. The lack of funding and equipment limits the necessary actions to improve the infrastructure.
Why is it considered dangerous to ride motorcycles in Cuba?
Riding motorcycles in Cuba is dangerous due to the high incidence of accidents involving them. Motorcycles and mopeds are responsible for over half of the accidents and 25% of the fatalities. The lack of driving licenses, violation of right-of-way rules, and improper overtaking are some of the causes that increase the risk for motorcyclists.
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