A traffic accident at the intersection of L and 17 in Havana's Vedado neighborhood has once again highlighted the chaotic state of the city's roads and the role of careless driving in the rising number of accidents, many of which are fatal.
According to a witness account shared in the Facebook group "ACCIDENTES BUSES & CAMIONES por más experiencia y menos víctimas!", a driver failed to stop at a red light on L Street and collided with a police patrol car traveling down 17th Street.
"The night took a turn for the worse," the witness stated.
While the author of the post mentioned that the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) vehicle was "in the wrong lane," other commenters clarified that the patrol car's position was a result of the collision rather than any improper maneuvering.
"The patrol car was proceeding through 17 with a green light," one local resident confirmed, underscoring the daily reality faced by many drivers: a blatant disregard for traffic signals.
A local professor painted a grim picture of nighttime driving conditions, exacerbated by malfunctioning or non-existent traffic lights, poor street lighting, and blinding headlights from oncoming vehicles.
"Driving at that hour is a complete headache and a hazard. Many times you're essentially driving blind," he lamented.
Although this particular accident involved a police car, several users reminded that the outcome could have been far worse.
"It could have been with a motorcyclist, and at this hour, might be cremated. The driver was reckless," one commenter warned.
Another user remarked that the driver "committed suicide," referring to the audacity of running a red light and then colliding with a patrol car.
Criticism also extended to the infrastructure: local residents pointed out that the traffic light at L and 17 "has been malfunctioning for some time," sometimes turning off when red, only to restart the cycle with green and yellow, further complicating an already hazardous intersection.
Nonetheless, the majority agreed that, despite technical issues, the immediate cause of the accident was the driver's behavior.
"Traffic laws are meant to be followed; how can you blatantly run a red light? It's inconceivable," expressed a resident from Granma province.
Others speculated that, following the crash, the driver will likely "lose their license."
"This guy doesn't know how to drive," commented another Havana resident. "Respecting signals is so simple, but they don't do it. Now they must face the consequences."
Although the crash did not result in fatalities, it has reignited discussions about road safety in Cuba and how negligence, inattention, and lack of oversight continue to claim lives and increase preventable tragedies.
Understanding Traffic Safety Challenges in Cuba
What are the main causes of traffic accidents in Havana?
The main causes of traffic accidents in Havana include reckless driving, failure to obey traffic signals, poor road conditions, and malfunctioning traffic lights.
How can road safety be improved in Cuba?
Improving road safety in Cuba requires better enforcement of traffic laws, upgrading infrastructure, including traffic lights and road lighting, and increasing public awareness about the importance of obeying traffic signals.