A car was completely wrecked following a traffic accident that took place on Thursday morning on the National Highway bridge in Arroyo Arenas, La Lisa municipality, Havana. A video shared on Facebook highlights the extensive damage suffered by the vehicle, a Lada belonging to a state entity, suggesting the collision's severe impact.
The post in the group “Accidentes Buses & Camiones por más experiencia y menos víctimas!” did not specify the other vehicle involved or the circumstances leading to the crash. However, some individuals commented that the car's occupants were unharmed. According to another user, the Lada was traveling along the Havana-Pinar del Río highway when the incident occurred.
In a separate incident on the same road, at kilometer 27.5 near a local Cupet, another accident involving an articulated truck occurred on Thursday morning. Witnesses reported that the truck driver was injured and promptly taken to the hospital.
Alarming Traffic Accident Statistics in Cuba
Traffic accidents remain a leading cause of death and serious injuries in Cuba. The worsening condition is exacerbated by inadequate road infrastructure, the deteriorating vehicle fleet, and a lack of resources for road maintenance. Between January and August this year, 502 fatalities occurred due to road incidents, accounting for 80% of the total deaths from these causes in 2024, indicating a rise in roadway fatalities.
Data from the National Traffic Safety Commission reveals that seven out of every ten accidents resulted in casualties, primarily due to vehicle collisions, which are deemed the most dangerous, accounting for 36% of total deaths. Each accident caused by speeding claimed at least one victim, and in every five such incidents, one person lost their life.
Regions with Increasing Accident Rates
During the first eight months of 2025, provinces like Villa Clara, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, and Artemisa reported a critical escalation, with accidents rising by more than a third compared to the previous year. The highest risk areas were Havana, Ciego de Ávila, Villa Clara, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba, primarily due to incidents involving motorcycle and moped drivers, as well as pedestrians.
The National Traffic Safety Commission identifies the main causes of accidents during this period as a lack of attention to vehicle control and disrespect for right of way, contributing to 63% of the incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traffic Safety in Cuba
What are the main causes of traffic accidents in Cuba?
The primary causes include lack of attention to vehicle control and disrespect for right of way, accounting for 63% of incidents.
How does speeding impact accident fatality rates?
Speeding is a major factor, with each accident caused by it resulting in at least one victim, and one person dying in every five such incidents.
Which regions in Cuba have the highest accident rates?
Havana, Ciego de Ávila, Villa Clara, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba are the regions with the highest risk, often involving motorcycle and moped accidents.