A tractor-trailer was involved in a traffic accident this Thursday at kilometer 27.5 of the Havana–Pinar del Río Highway, near the local Cupet station, according to eyewitnesses on social media. The incident was shared on the Facebook group “ACCIDENTES BUSES & CAMIONES por más experiencia y menos víctimas,” which included a photo of the crash. Comments on the post indicated that the truck driver was injured but survived and was immediately taken to the hospital.
Although the severity of the injuries is still unknown, online users confirmed that the driver did not die, countering initial rumors that circulated after the accident. Traffic authorities have yet to release official information regarding the cause of the accident or the type of cargo the truck was carrying.
Rising Traffic Concerns in Cuba
Traffic accidents remain a leading cause of death and serious injury on the island, exacerbated by poor road infrastructure, deteriorating vehicles, and insufficient resources for road maintenance, as per official reports. Cuba recorded 502 traffic-related deaths from January to August 2025, accounting for nearly 80% of the fatalities reported in the previous year, signaling an increase in mortality from road incidents.
The latest statistics from the Cuban News Agency reveal that seven out of every ten accidents resulted in casualties, primarily due to vehicle collisions, which are deemed the "most dangerous" accidents, responsible for 36% of fatalities. Each incident caused by speeding results in at least one casualty, and in every five such accidents, one person dies.
Provinces with Alarming Accident Rates
Villa Clara, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, and Artemisa have seen a significant rise in accident rates, increasing by more than a third compared to 2024, according to Colonel Roberto Rodríguez Fernández, head of the National Traffic Directorate of the Ministry of the Interior (Minint). Meanwhile, Havana, Ciego de Ávila, Villa Clara, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba report the highest danger levels, especially in incidents involving motorcycle and moped drivers and pedestrians.
Rodríguez noted that driver misconduct involving these vehicles leads to approximately 11 accidents per day, resulting in at least seven injuries and one death every six days. These modes of transportation are implicated in 52% of traffic incidents in the country, causing 32% of deaths and 42% of injuries.
Common Causes of Accidents
The National Road Safety Commission's report identifies failure to pay proper attention to vehicle control and disregard for right-of-way as the primary causes of accidents during this period, accounting for 63% of incidents. Additionally, technical defects, pedestrian and motorcycle infractions, and improper overtaking contributed to 25% of accidents and 28% of deaths.
However, underlying factors such as poor road conditions, lack of signage, inadequate street lighting, and the aging and deterioration of the country's vehicle fleet remain critical contributors to traffic incidents.
Understanding Cuba's Traffic Safety Challenges
What are the main causes of traffic accidents in Cuba?
The primary causes of traffic accidents in Cuba include failure to pay attention to vehicle control, disregard for right-of-way, technical defects, and improper overtaking. Additionally, poor road conditions and the aging vehicle fleet contribute significantly to accidents.
Which provinces in Cuba have the highest accident rates?
Villa Clara, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, and Artemisa have reported significant increases in accident rates. Havana, Ciego de Ávila, Villa Clara, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba are noted for having the highest danger levels.
How does speeding affect traffic accident statistics in Cuba?
Speeding is a major factor in traffic accidents, with each speeding-related incident resulting in at least one casualty. Every five accidents caused by speeding result in at least one death.