A traffic accident that occurred today at the intersection of San Lázaro and Escobar streets, in the Centro Habana municipality, where witnesses claim a young girl was riding on the involved motorcycle, once again highlighted the dangers citizens face on streets lacking clear signage, with drivers who do not respect right-of-way, and without an effective traffic control system.
The exact causes of the accident involving the modern car and the motorcycle remain unknown, as well as the condition of those involved, reported the user La Tijera on their page on Facebook.
But the fact reflects a problem that goes beyond an isolated incident: the insecurity of urban roads in Cuba and the lack of discipline behind the wheel.
Comments on social media point to multiple factors that turn the streets into danger zones.
Users indicate that “in the country, anyone can drive a car or a motorcycle without the proper training,” while scenes of irresponsibility proliferate, such as transporting young children on motorcycles or electric bicycles without basic safety measures.
Others highlighted the lack of signage, speed limits, and functioning traffic lights, forcing drivers and pedestrians to navigate under precarious conditions. "It's a ship adrift with no hope of saving any crew member," said an outraged user.
There was also concern regarding the presence of modern cars being driven by individuals who lack experience and knowledge of traffic laws, many of whom are licensed due to easily obtained permits through economic connections.
This situation, according to comments, leads to abuses on the road where the weakest party, in this case the motorcyclists, bears the brunt of it.
Other comments pointed to the absence of traffic officers and widespread social indiscipline, where no one respects the rules and accidents become inevitable.
Amidst the uncertainty regarding the health of those affected, what is clear is that the road situation in Cuba continues to be characterized by a lack of control, negligence from many drivers, and a lack of institutional responsibility.
This Saturday, it was reported that at least twenty motorcycles and mopeds were seized in the Guantanamo municipality of Baracoa during an operation by the Ministry of the Interior (Minint) against unlicensed drivers, while some are facing criminal charges and others fines and warnings.
A traffic accident that occurred on Friday afternoon in the municipality of Playa, at the intersection of 19th and 46th Streets, resulted in a car overturned in the middle of the road, causing significant alarm among pedestrians and local residents.
Another accident on Wednesday in Calzada de Santo Suárez, Diez de Octubre municipality, Havana, left not only a motorcyclist injured after being struck by a tractor-trailer, but also a scene of social outrage: a person took advantage of the emergency to steal the victim's belongings, instead of helping.
Upon evaluating the causes of traffic incidents in the country during 2024, the Cuban government pointed out that drivers are the main responsible parties for traffic accidents on the island.
Additionally, the number of accidents involving bicycles and cycle-taxis has risen, along with the deaths and injuries resulting from these incidents.
According to a report from the Specialized Traffic Body of the General Directorate of the Revolutionary National Police (PNR) released in January, motorcycles and mopeds were involved in 3% more incidents compared to 2023 and “corresponding to the total number of accidents.”
The colonel Raúl Cano López, deputy chief of the specialized body for criminal investigation and common crime of the Minint, deemed “worrisome the traffic violations alongside the increase of electric motorcycles and mopeds in vehicle circulation, a condition that escalates the danger.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Road Safety in Cuba
What are the main causes of traffic accidents in Cuba?
The main causes of traffic accidents in Cuba are attributed to the human factor, including reckless driving, disregard for right-of-way, and excessive speed. The lack of road education, along with the poor condition of the roads and inadequate signage, exacerbates the situation. Furthermore, the increase in electric motorcycles on the road adds to the danger on the highways.
What measures are being taken to improve road safety in Cuba?
So far, no effective measures have been implemented to significantly improve road safety. Although initiatives such as the installation of solar panels on some traffic lights have been announced, these efforts are insufficient given the scale of the problem. The lack of control over driver's licenses and the limited presence of traffic officers contribute to the insecurity on the roads.
Why do electric motorcycles pose a risk on Cuban roads?
Electric motorcycles pose a risk due to technical deficiencies, the use of low-quality parts, and improper handling of their batteries, which increases the possibility of fires. Furthermore, many riders of these motorcycles lack proper training in traffic laws, which heightens recklessness and danger on the roads.
What is the condition of the roads in Cuba and how does it affect traffic accidents?
The 75% of roads and circulation routes in Cuba are in a technical condition ranging from fair to poor. This deterioration of the road infrastructure, along with the lack of adequate signage and the use of poorly maintained vehicles, significantly contributes to the high rate of traffic accidents in the country.
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