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A traffic incident that occurred this Saturday on the Justiz road in Havana East left a motorcycle driver as a victim of the reckless behavior of a truck driver who, according to the affected party, was driving under the influence of alcohol.
The motorist Abel Armando Matutes De La Peña recounts that he was about 7-10 meters from the vehicle and when he attempted to overtake, he saw how the tank truck made a stop and then began to reverse down a slope, a situation that compelled him to honk the horn and quickly back away to save his life.
The driver of the tanker truck was in such a state that upon getting out of the vehicle, he did not notice the electric bicycle that had been left underneath, reported Matutes in the group Facebook ACCIDENTES BUSES & CAMIONES for more experience and fewer victims!
After hugging him and promising that he would return, the driver fled the scene. In response to the escape, another occupant linked to the pipero approached the motorist with threatening behavior.
Two women who intervened in defense of the affected person were assaulted during the ensuing brawl, which involved stone-throwing and even endangered a five-year-old girl who was present at the scene.
The victim reported that inquiries are already being processed with the authorities and committed to communicating the outcome through their contact channel.
In his final appeal, he urges the public to exercise extreme caution: to wear helmets even when riding electric bicycles and to take care of their own lives in the face of others' risky behaviors.
In the comments on the post, several neighbors and witnesses agree in pointing out the driver's responsibility for maneuvering in reverse on a road and for allegedly driving under the influence; others demand that the law take action against those who flee the scene and assault others.
The accident highlights the increasing number of traffic incidents in Cuba, especially in urban and semi-urban areas, where heavy vehicles, electric motorcycles, and animal transport converge without proper regulation or road maintenance.
Traffic incidents involving vulnerable vehicles such as bicitaxis, motorcycles, and electric tricycles have become very common in the country as the use of these modes of transportation has increased.
On September 27, a truck collided with a bicycle on the Vía Blanca, near the exit of Barrio Obrero in Havana.
The National Road Safety Commission recently reported that from January to August, there were 5,025 accidents reported in Cuba -41 more than in the same period of 2024-, resulting in 4,516 people being injured.
The highest danger has been reported in Havana, Ciego de Ávila, Villa Clara, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba, primarily due to incidents involving motorcycles and mopeds, as well as pedestrians.
According to Colonel Roberto Rodríguez Fernández, head of the National Traffic Directorate of the Ministry of the Interior (Minint), the misconduct of drivers of these vehicles results in about 11 accidents daily and at least seven injuries and one fatality every six days.
He assured that those means of transportation are involved in 52% of road incidents in the country, and have caused 32% of the deaths and 42% of the injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traffic Accidents in Cuba
Why is there such a frequent increase in traffic accidents in Cuba?
Traffic accidents in Cuba are frequent due to a combination of factors: the deterioration of the roads, poor signage, the bad condition of the vehicle fleet, and a public transport crisis that forces many citizens to travel in precarious conditions. Furthermore, the lack of respect for traffic regulations and driving under the influence of alcohol worsen the situation.
What are the main causes of traffic accidents in Cuba?
The main causes of traffic accidents in Cuba include: a lack of attention to vehicle control, disregard for right of way, technical failures, violations by pedestrians and drivers of motorcycles and mopeds, and noncompliance with traffic regulations. These factors, combined with an outdated and poorly maintained vehicle fleet, significantly contribute to the high rate of accidents.
What measures are being taken to improve road safety in Cuba?
So far, the measures to improve road safety in Cuba are insufficient, and a more vigorous intervention is needed from the authorities. It is crucial to enhance signage on the roads, improve the conditions of the pathways, and promote a culture of respect for traffic regulations. Additionally, stricter control over alcohol consumption while driving and enforcement of traffic rules is necessary.
How does the current transportation situation in Cuba affect road safety?
The transportation crisis in Cuba severely impacts road safety, as it forces many citizens to use alternative means of transport, such as electric bicycles and horse-drawn carriages, on infrastructure that is inadequate for these vehicles. This situation increases the risk of accidents due to the lack of regulation and road maintenance, as well as the forced coexistence of vehicles of varying speeds and eras.
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