A carriage driver is in critical condition after being violently struck by an Audi in the municipality of Contramaestre, Santiago de Cuba. The collision took place on the Maffo road, a heavily trafficked route where horse-drawn transport is still a common sight, according to a Facebook post by ‘Reporte Cuba Ya’.
Eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle was driven by two young men who had recently arrived from the United States. The pair were allegedly speeding and visibly intoxicated when they collided with the horse-drawn carriage. The force of the impact completely destroyed the carriage, killed the horse instantly, and left the driver critically injured.
Local residents expressed their concern over reckless driving, exacerbated by alcohol consumption, which poses a continual threat, especially when modern, powerful vehicles are involved. "Those with money here do as they please, and nothing happens afterward," lamented one resident.
The injured carriage driver was rushed to a nearby medical facility, where he remains in critical condition. As of now, authorities have not released any official statements regarding the incident, the driver's condition, or any potential repercussions for those responsible for the crash.
This incident has sparked outrage on social media, with users demanding justice and stricter regulations for those driving under the influence.
Rising Incidents Involving Horse-Drawn Carriages Amid Cuba's Transport Crisis
The accident in Contramaestre is not an isolated case. In recent years, traffic incidents involving horse-drawn carriages have increased across several Cuban provinces, amid a severe transportation crisis that forces many to rely on this precarious mode of travel for commuting or earning a livelihood.
The presence of horse-drawn carts has surged, even in urban areas or stretches where modern cars operate, many of which are driven by foreign visitors or financially well-off Cubans. This forced coexistence of vehicles from different eras and speeds, coupled with deteriorating infrastructure and poor signage, has proven to be a dangerous mix.
Numerous fatal accidents involving horse-drawn carriages were reported just last year: a motorcyclist died after colliding with a cart in Cárdenas; a teenager lost his life under similar circumstances in Guantánamo; and a tourist car crashed into an unlit carriage in Camagüey’s Southern Beltway, causing significant damage. The reasons vary: lack of lighting on horse-drawn carts, alcohol consumption, reckless driving, and ineffective controls on both modern vehicle drivers and those handling these animal-drawn means of transport.
FAQ on Traffic Incidents Involving Horse-Drawn Carriages in Cuba
What are the main causes of accidents involving horse-drawn carriages in Cuba?
The primary causes include lack of proper lighting on the carriages, alcohol consumption by drivers, reckless driving, and inadequate enforcement of regulations for both modern and horse-drawn vehicles.
Why are horse-drawn carriages still used in Cuba?
Due to a severe transportation crisis, many Cubans resort to horse-drawn carriages as an affordable means of transport or a way to make a living, especially in areas where modern transportation options are scarce.
How does the presence of modern vehicles affect road safety in Cuba?
The coexistence of modern, powerful vehicles with horse-drawn carts often leads to dangerous situations, particularly on roads with poor infrastructure and limited traffic management systems.