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Cuba recorded 502 deaths in traffic accidents from January to August 2025, almost 80% of the fatalities for that cause in the entire previous year, indicating a rise in mortality due to incidents on the country's roads.
The National Road Safety Commission reported this week that in the first eight months of the year, there were 5,025 accidents -41 more than in the same period of 2024-, resulting in 4,516 people being injured.
Last year, traffic accidents (7,507) resulted in 634 fatalities and 6,613 injuries, figures lower than those of 2023.
According to the most recent official statistics released by the Cuban News Agency, in seven out of ten incidents there were victims, primarily due to vehicle collisions, which continues to be the "most dangerous" accident accounting for 36% of the total fatalities.
Meanwhile, each accident caused by speeding results in at least one victim, and one person dies for every five incidents attributed to this cause.
Villa Clara, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, and Artemisa are the provinces facing the most critical situation, as accidents have increased by more than a third compared to 2024, revealed the head of the National Traffic Directorate of the Ministry of the Interior (Minint), Colonel Roberto Rodríguez Fernández.
Meanwhile, the highest danger has been reported in Havana, Ciego de Ávila, Villa Clara, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba, particularly due to incidents involving drivers of motorcycles and mopeds, as well as pedestrians.
According to Rodríguez, the indiscipline of the drivers of these vehicles causes around 11 accidents daily, resulting in at least seven injuries and one death every six days. He affirmed that these means of transportation are involved in 52% of traffic incidents in the country, accounting for 32% of fatalities and 42% of injuries.
The report from the National Road Safety Commission identifies among the main causes of accidents during this period the failure to pay proper attention to vehicle control and the disregard for the right of way, accounting for 63% of the incidents.
To these causes, technical malfunctions were added, along with violations by pedestrians and drivers of motorcycles and mopeds, as well as improper overtaking, which together accounted for 25% of the incidents and 28% of the fatalities.
However, although they were not mentioned, the poor condition, lack of signage, and insufficient lighting of streets and roads continue to be decisive factors in accidents, in addition to the age and deterioration of the country's vehicle fleet.
Frequently asked questions about traffic accident mortality in Cuba
What is the number of fatalities from traffic accidents in Cuba during 2025?
In Cuba, 502 deaths from traffic accidents were recorded from January to August 2025, which represents almost 80% of the fatalities from this cause in the entire previous year. This indicates a concerning increase in mortality from road accidents in the country.
What are the main causes of traffic accidents in Cuba?
The main causes of traffic accidents in Cuba are lack of attention to vehicle control and disregard for right of way, which account for 63% of incidents. Additionally, technical malfunctions, violations by pedestrians and drivers of motorcycles and mopeds, and improper passing contribute to 25% of the accidents and 28% of the fatalities.
Which provinces of Cuba are facing a critical situation regarding traffic accidents?
The provinces of Villa Clara, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, and Artemisa are facing the most critical situation, as they recorded an increase of more than one third in accidents compared to the previous year. Havana, Ciego de Ávila, Villa Clara, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba report the highest level of danger, especially in incidents involving motorcycles, mopeds, and pedestrians.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address road accidents?
The Cuban government has implemented control measures such as imposing fines and revoking driving licenses, as well as conducting technical inspections. However, the structural causes have not been effectively addressed such as the poor condition of the roads. Seventy-five percent of roads in Cuba are deteriorated, which worsens road safety and has not been properly resolved by the regime.
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