A motorcyclist tragically lost his life on Tuesday after a head-on collision with a horse-drawn cart in Guanabacoa, Havana. The deadly crash occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Peñalver Road in the Villa María neighborhood. The motorcyclist collided violently with the cart and died instantly, as reported by La Tijera on Facebook.
Local residents suggested that the motorcyclist was attempting to avoid a pothole by swerving into the opposite lane, which led to the crash with the horse-drawn vehicle. The impact resulted in a fatal injury. Numerous individuals have highlighted the poor condition and lack of lighting on this road, which significantly increases the risk of accidents.
As of now, official information regarding the incident has not been released, nor has the identity of the victim been disclosed. Although witnesses stated that the cart had its lights on, the incident has sparked discussions about the dangers posed by animal-drawn vehicles traveling on unlit roads at night, contributing to a rise in traffic accidents.
The current Road Safety Code in Cuba—Law 109—forbids the circulation of such vehicles between dusk and dawn. However, the enforcement of this regulation is lacking across the country.
Just last week, another traffic accident in Santa Rita, Granma province, ended in tragedy. A young man died from severe injuries after the jeep he was traveling in crashed into a horse-drawn cart during the night.
Motorcycle accidents are also notably frequent. Recent reports have highlighted numerous fatal motorcycle crashes across various provinces. The latest report from the National Road Safety Commission revealed that motorcycles and mopeds account for 52% of traffic incidents, causing 32% of the fatalities and 42% of the injuries.
According to the same source, between January and August of this year, 502 individuals died in traffic accidents in Cuba. This figure represents 80% of the total traffic-related deaths expected for the entire year of 2024, indicating a troubling increase in road fatalities.
Understanding Traffic Safety in Cuba
What led to the motorcyclist's fatal accident in Guanabacoa?
The motorcyclist attempted to avoid a pothole by moving into the opposite lane, resulting in a collision with a horse-drawn cart.
Why are horse-drawn carts on the roads at night a concern in Cuba?
Horse-drawn carts on unlit roads pose a safety risk, contributing to increased traffic accidents, despite regulations prohibiting their use at night.
How significant are motorcycle accidents in Cuba's road safety statistics?
Motorcycles and mopeds are involved in 52% of traffic incidents and account for a substantial portion of fatalities and injuries.
What does recent data say about traffic-related deaths in Cuba?
Recent data indicates a worrying rise in traffic-related deaths, with 502 fatalities reported between January and August alone.