An alarming traffic accident unfolded earlier today at the corner of San Lázaro and Escobar streets in Central Havana, where eyewitnesses claim a young girl was riding on a motorcycle involved in the incident. This event underscores the ongoing dangers citizens face on streets lacking clear signage, with drivers who disregard right-of-way, and without an effective traffic control system.
The exact circumstances surrounding the collision between a modern car and the motorcycle, as well as the condition of those involved, remain unknown, according to a Facebook post by the user La Tijera. Yet, this incident highlights a broader issue: the perilous state of urban roads in Cuba and the rampant indiscipline among drivers.
Social media reactions point to various factors that turn streets into hazardous zones. Users comment that "in the country, anyone can drive a car or motorcycle without proper training," leading to irresponsible behaviors such as transporting young children on motorcycles or electric bikes without basic safety precautions.
Others emphasize the lack of road signs, speed limits, and functioning traffic lights, forcing both drivers and pedestrians to navigate in precarious conditions. "It's like a ship adrift where no crew member can be saved," remarked one frustrated user.
Concerns have also been raised about modern cars being driven by individuals lacking experience or knowledge of traffic laws, many of whom have acquired licenses easily due to economic connections. This situation, according to comments, results in road abuse where the most vulnerable, often motorcyclists, suffer the most.
Further comments highlight the absence of traffic officers and a widespread societal disregard for rules, making accidents seem inevitable. Amid the uncertainty regarding the affected individuals' health, what is clear is that Cuba's road reality remains plagued by chaos, driver negligence, and institutional irresponsibility.
This past Saturday, at least twenty motorcycles and motorbikes were seized in the Guantanamo municipality of Baracoa during a Ministry of the Interior (Minint) operation targeting unlicensed drivers, with some facing criminal charges while others received fines and warnings.
A traffic accident on Friday afternoon in the municipality of Playa, at the intersection of 19th and 46th streets, resulted in an overturned car, causing significant alarm among passersby and local residents.
Another incident on Wednesday on Santo Suárez Avenue in the Diez de Octubre municipality of Havana left a motorcyclist injured after being struck by a truck, and sparked social outrage when someone took advantage of the emergency to steal the victim's belongings instead of offering assistance.
In assessing the causes of traffic incidents in the country during 2024, the Cuban government has identified drivers as the main culprits of road accidents on the island. Additionally, there has been an increase in accidents involving bicycles and bicitaxis, along with the resulting deaths and injuries.
A January report from the Specialized Traffic Organization of the National Revolutionary Police Directorate (PNR) revealed that motorcycles and mopeds were involved in 3% more incidents compared to 2023, "in line with the total number of accidents." Colonel Raúl Cano López, deputy chief of the specialized criminal investigation and common crime unit of the Minint, expressed concern over the traffic indiscipline alongside the rising number of electric motorcycles and mopeds on the roads, a condition that heightens risk.
Understanding Traffic Challenges in Cuba
What are the main causes of road accidents in Cuba?
The primary causes of road accidents in Cuba include driver negligence, lack of traffic control systems, inadequate road signage, and the presence of inexperienced drivers.
How is the Cuban government addressing traffic safety issues?
The Cuban government has been conducting operations to seize vehicles from unlicensed drivers and has recognized drivers as the main contributors to traffic accidents, but effective measures to improve road safety remain limited.
Why are motorcycles and mopeds a significant concern in Cuban traffic incidents?
Motorcycles and mopeds pose a significant concern due to their increasing numbers on the roads and their involvement in a higher percentage of accidents, compounded by a lack of proper safety measures and driver indiscipline.