A recent collision at the intersection of Línea and Paseo in El Vedado has once again highlighted the severe issues plaguing Havana's traffic infrastructure, including poor signage, lack of traffic enforcement, and the absence of traffic officers at critical points during the frequent blackouts that impact the city.
According to Alejandro V. Chassagne, who reported the incident in the Facebook group "Car Accidents in Cuba and Road Information," the crash took place when the traffic lights were not operational.
A rental car (tur) failed to stop at a non-functioning stoplight as it crossed Línea from Paseo, rear-ending a classic Cuban car, known as an almendrón, which was correctly traveling along Línea Avenue.
Following the impact, the driver of the almendrón lost control, colliding with the traffic light pole.
Both the driver and a passenger in the almendrón were taken to the hospital for treatment.
The accident was also reported by Ernesto Rodríguez in the Facebook group "ACCIDENTES BUSES & CAMIONES for more experience and fewer victims!"
Photos shared in both reports show significant damage to the back and side of the almendrón, indicating the force of the collision.
A witness stated that the incident occurred shortly after 8:00 pm, a time when no traffic personnel were present to regulate the flow of vehicles.
Public Outcry: Recklessness, Speeding, and Inoperative Traffic Lights
Social media reactions expressed a mix of frustration, blame, and criticism toward what many see as a dangerous mix of state negligence and poor driver discipline.
"There's always someone reckless; when traffic lights are out, extra caution is required," one user commented, noting that it's common in Havana to encounter non-working traffic lights due to blackouts and lack of maintenance.
Others pointed to the excessive speed of the rental car: "Beyond the stop sign, there's a need for courtesy. You don't pass through such intersections at 50 km/h. That impact was definitely not from someone going 50."
Repeatedly, users emphasized the responsibility of the rental car driver, accusing them of recklessness for ignoring the right of way.
"That rental car must have been flying, way over the speed limit. Now they should pay for the damages," one lady remarked.
The City in Darkness: A Recipe for Chaos
Among the most frequent comments were complaints about the absence of traffic officers at an intersection known for its high traffic volume.
In the context of prolonged blackouts, residents stressed that leaving critical intersections without power and police presence is a dangerous oversight.
"While drivers are partly to blame, we can't normalize non-functioning traffic lights without police control. Government negligence is outrageous," a Havana resident wrote.
Another user argued that officials failing to implement alternative measures are also accountable.
"Whoever didn't ensure a police officer was managing traffic is responsible. If a functionary were penalized every time there's an unmonitored broken traffic light, things would change," they stated.
Adding a sharp critique, a self-employed worker commented: "How many traffic lights are without power... and then there's the cop on the next corner, looking to catch someone to penalize for a missing headlight."
Despite these criticisms, some emphasized personal responsibility: "The law specifies what to do when a traffic light is out. It's our responsibility to stay alert and disciplined," a father noted.
"It's not the lack of electricity that causes problems. Why do we have road signs? Drivers just don't want to respect the right of way," a man from Matanzas added.
Recurring Problems in Havana's Traffic Scene
The crash at Línea and Paseo is not an isolated incident but rather a recurring theme: blackouts disabling traffic lights, lack of officers at crucial points, speeding vehicles, and an aging fleet of cars.
Social media once again served as a platform for citizens to report, discuss, and highlight issues that state institutions rarely acknowledge: urban mobility in Havana is deteriorating rapidly, and the population bears the brunt of accidents like this latest one.
Understanding the Risks of Havana's Traffic Conditions
What factors contributed to the recent accident in El Vedado?
The accident was primarily caused by a rental car ignoring a non-functioning stoplight and rear-ending an almendrón. The incident was exacerbated by the lack of traffic enforcement and operational traffic lights due to power outages.
Why is there public frustration over traffic management in Havana?
Citizens express frustration due to frequent blackouts that disable traffic lights, lack of active traffic officers at busy intersections, and the perception of government negligence in maintaining road safety.
How are social media platforms being used in response to traffic issues in Havana?
Social media platforms are being utilized by residents to report incidents, discuss traffic issues, and criticize state responses, providing a space for community dialogue that is often absent from official channels.