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A traffic accident between a car and a motorcycle occurred at the intersection of 31 and 44 streets, in the Playa municipality of Havana, as reported on social media by user Heriberto Moreno, in the Facebook group Accidentes Buses & Camiones por más experiencia y menos víctimas.
"Accident today at 31 and 44 Playa... Yes, there is traffic! One of them confused the green light for a left turn onto 31... or a green light for straight only... I'm not blaming anyone, I don't know who it was," wrote Moreno, along with images of the incident.
The photos show a green car with a damaged front after colliding with a motorcycle, which also sustained significant damage. The incident occurred in broad daylight, at an intersection controlled by traffic lights.
In the comments of the post, a user identified as Tony Perera Jiménez claimed that "the motorcycle driver is in Surgery, an employee of EASIG," although this information has not been confirmed by official sources at this time. Heriberto Moreno himself replied: "Praise the Lord.... I figured it out.. wishing a swift recovery for the man."
Accidents in Cuba reignite the debate on road safety
The incident occurs during a week marked by multiple occurrences on public roads in various areas of the country. Among them, the overturning of a truck on Monumental Avenue in Havana stands out, where witnesses indicated that the positioning of traffic inspectors on an unprotected slope may have contributed to the accident.
Also on Sunday, a car with eight occupants, including three minors, overturned on a curve of the Havana Malecón, near the Antimperialist Tribune, rekindling complaints about the poor design and lack of effective measures in that critical segment.
In Santa Clara, another truck overturned at a roundabout known for its danger, although in this instance, no injuries were reported.
One day later, a foreign citizen struck nine people in Havana, resulting in the death of one woman and leaving eight others injured. The incident took place at various locations in Centro Habana and Habana Vieja.
According to official data, between January and March 2025, Cuba recorded 1,738 accidents, with 1,514 people injured and 173 deceased, an increase compared to the same period of the previous year.
Although authorities often blame the so-called "human factor," structural deficiencies persist, such as the deterioration of roadways, inadequate signage, the poor condition of the vehicle fleet, and a public transportation crisis that forces many citizens to travel under precarious conditions.
So far, no official communication has been issued regarding the accident at the beach or the health status of those involved.
Frequently asked questions about road safety in Havana
What are the main causes of traffic accidents in Cuba?
The main causes of traffic accidents in Cuba are human factors, the deterioration of the roads, and the lack of proper signage. Although the Cuban government tends to primarily blame human factors, it is undeniable that the poor condition of the roads, the insufficient signage, and the energy issues affecting traffic lights are decisive factors. Moreover, recklessness, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol exacerbate the situation.
Why are malfunctioning traffic lights a recurring problem in Havana?
The non-functioning traffic lights in Havana are a recurring problem due to the ongoing blackouts affecting the island's electrical system. The lack of maintenance and technological updates in the road signaling system also contributes to this issue. Although the government has announced the installation of solar panels on some traffic lights, this solution is still inadequate to meet the demands of the entire city.
What measures are being taken to improve road safety in Cuba?
The Cuban government has implemented measures such as imposing fines, revoking driver’s licenses, and conducting technical inspections on public roads. However, these actions do not effectively address the structural causes of accidents, such as the poor condition of roads and lack of signage. The installation of solar panels on some traffic lights is a step forward, but it is still insufficient given the scale of the problem.
How has the energy collapse affected road safety in Cuba?
The energy collapse in Cuba has severely impacted road safety, causing many traffic lights to become inoperative. This increases the risk of accidents at high-traffic intersections. Additionally, the lack of electricity also affects public lighting, which hampers visibility on the streets at night and increases the danger on the roadways.
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