In the first quarter of 2025, traffic accidents in Cuba saw a decline, yet the death toll increased compared to the same period in 2024, according to statistics released by Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, the Minister of Transportation. The data, shared via his official Facebook account along with an infograph, provides a detailed examination of road incidents across the nation.
Between January and March, 1,738 accidents were recorded, marking a reduction of 144 compared to the previous year's corresponding months. Injuries also decreased, with 1,514 people hurt—87 fewer than in 2024. However, fatalities rose from 146 to 173, an increase of 27 deaths. Rodríguez noted this surge in fatalities was particularly pronounced in March.
Regional Disparities in Traffic Incidents
Besides the national overview, the report highlights significant regional differences. The provinces of Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Granma, Sancti Spíritus, and Las Tunas experienced the most notable rise in accidents. Incident rates also climbed in Ciego de Ávila and Camagüey.
In terms of fatalities, the provinces with the highest increases were Havana, Ciego de Ávila, Camagüey, Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Granma, and Santiago de Cuba, with the first three having the most substantial figures. The number of injuries also went up, especially in Cienfuegos, Sancti Spíritus, Ciego de Ávila, Camagüey, and Las Tunas, as well as in Holguín and Santiago de Cuba.
Government Blames Human Error
The Minister of Transportation emphasized the importance of this data for refining preventive measures, arguing that “any efforts in this direction are crucial, as a family is forever changed by the loss of a member in a preventable accident.” Despite control measures, road safety remains a critical issue in Cuba. The government continues to blame human factors while avoiding discussions on structural issues such as deteriorating roads, lack of proper signage, and the public transport crisis, which forces many to resort to unsafe transportation means.
Last January, the government identified drivers as the main culprits of traffic accidents in Cuba during 2024. Lack of vehicle control was the leading cause of traffic incidents, followed by failure to yield and speeding, according to a report from the Specialized Traffic Body of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR). In its 2023 road accident report, the Cuban government attributed 91% of incidents to human error.
The Role of Infrastructure and Maintenance
Alcohol consumption and traffic law violations are also frequent causes of accidents. Additionally, the need to strengthen mandatory rest periods for professional drivers and the structural maintenance of bridges and high-risk road signage remains critical.
The widespread deterioration of old vehicles still in use in Cuba, combined with poor road conditions, creates a lethal mix contributing to increasingly deadly accidents. The Cuban government acknowledges that 75% of the country's roads are in fair to poor condition, posing a significant challenge to the communist regime as it directly impacts citizens' quality of life and essential services.
The most severe deterioration affects roads of municipal and specific interest, particularly mountain roads and hard-to-access paths like those in the Plan Turquino. These areas need mechanized repairs, but the government lacks the necessary equipment and funding.
In July 2023, the Minister of Transportation himself warned of economic and financial factors affecting road repair and maintenance activities, while also pointing out deficiencies in management and administration, as well as the diversion of road budget funds to other areas.
The government has implemented a work system to tackle this complex situation, including evaluating a potential reorganization of management, creating a differentiated financial scheme to manage freely convertible currency (MLC) needs, launching a pilot road maintenance and repair program at the municipal level, and collaborating with universities and research centers to find more efficient solutions for road maintenance.
Key Questions on Cuba's Traffic Safety
What caused the increase in traffic fatalities in Cuba in early 2025?
The increase in traffic fatalities was attributed to various factors, including human errors such as lack of vehicle control, failure to yield, and speeding, despite a decrease in the overall number of accidents.
Which Cuban provinces saw the most significant rise in traffic incidents?
The provinces of Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Granma, Sancti Spíritus, and Las Tunas experienced the most significant rise in traffic incidents.
What structural issues contribute to Cuba's road safety problems?
Structural issues include deteriorating roads, inadequate signage, and the public transport crisis, pushing people to use unsafe transportation means.