Throughout 2025, road accidents in Cuba resulted in the tragic loss of 750 lives and left 6,718 individuals injured, according to official statistics disclosed at a recent meeting of the National Traffic Safety Commission.
During the session led by the Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, and reported by the state-run Cubadebate, it was revealed that a total of 7,538 accidents occurred. These figures were deemed "high" by the authorities.
The data presented at the conference highlighted three main behaviors responsible for 72% of the accidents: failing to yield the right of way, not paying adequate attention, and speeding.
The official report once again pointed to human error as the primary cause of these incidents, emphasizing that they are "preventable" decisions behind the wheel.
These statistics for 2025 were contextualized within changes to the vehicle fleet, which experienced a "steady increase" in vulnerable modes of transportation, particularly motorcycles and mopeds.
According to the released figures, motorcycles, mopeds, and pedestrians were involved in 63% of the recorded accidents, highlighting an increased risk for those traveling with less physical protection on a deteriorating road infrastructure shared with larger vehicles.
Regional Breakdown of Traffic Incidents
In terms of regional impact, the provinces of Havana, Villa Clara, and Ciego de Ávila were identified as having the most unfavorable outcomes in terms of accidents, fatalities, and injuries.
From an institutional perspective, official data indicated a significant involvement of the state sector in the accidents: it was reported that the sector was responsible for "half" of the accidents involving its vehicles, and in fact, "one out of every two" accidents involving a state vehicle was caused by it.
Administrative and Licensing Measures
The administrative response discussed at the meeting included measures related to driver's licenses: in 2025, 545 licenses were suspended, with 98% belonging to state sector drivers. Additionally, 97 licenses were reported canceled.
Despite a reported decrease in alcohol-related accidents, there was an increase in their severity. As in previous instances, the regime avoided mentioning the poor condition of roads and the inadequate state of the vehicle fleet.
Data showed that 580 drivers had consumed alcoholic beverages at the time of their accidents.
Another significant concern was the involvement of unlicensed drivers: 31% of drivers in accidents during 2025 did not possess a valid driver's license, equating to "three out of every ten" accidents attributed to this group, according to the report.
Accidents Involving Animals
Regarding incidents involving loose animals, the Ministry of Agriculture reported a general decrease compared to the previous year, although it was noted that Villa Clara and Santiago de Cuba saw an increase in accidents for this reason. Four territories — Mayabeque, Villa Clara, Holguín, and Sancti Spíritus — accounted for 49% of these cases.
In the rail sector, 9 incidents involving stray livestock on tracks were recorded, down from 20 the previous year.
Key Factors in Cuban Traffic Accidents
What were the main causes of traffic accidents in Cuba in 2025?
The primary causes included failing to yield the right of way, lack of attention, and excessive speed, accounting for 72% of the accidents.
Which regions in Cuba had the highest number of traffic incidents?
Havana, Villa Clara, and Ciego de Ávila were noted for having the highest number of accidents, fatalities, and injuries.
How did the state sector contribute to traffic accidents in 2025?
The state sector was responsible for half of the accidents involving its vehicles, with "one out of every two" such accidents being caused by state vehicles.