On Sunday, an unfortunate accident in the Monte Carlos neighborhood of Camagüey resulted in three teenage girls getting injured after a motor scooter collided with a horse-drawn cart. These young girls, around 15 years of age, were riding the motor scooter at the time of the crash, according to reports from the Facebook group ‘Automobile Accidents in Cuba’.
This incident is yet another addition to the growing number of accidents in Cuba involving both animal-drawn vehicles and motorized means of transportation. In November 2024, a cart without lights caused a severe accident on a highway in Ciego de Ávila, leading to significant material damage and sparking intense debate over the lack of regulation regarding animal transport in Cuba.
Past Incidents Highlight the Dangers of Unregulated Animal Transport
Earlier in the year, a teenager tragically lost his life in Guantánamo following a similar collision between a car and a horse-drawn cart, highlighting the dangers posed by these modes of transport when they operate without proper safety measures. In July 2024, a bus accident involving a Yutong bus and a horse cart resulted in the deaths of three people, including a four-year-old child, in the Las Mangas area northwest of Bayamo. The bus was en route from Bayamo to Havana.
Calls for Stricter Road Safety Measures in Cuba
On December 17, a tourist car in Camagüey collided with another horse-drawn cart, fortunately without causing any injuries. This recent accident in the Monte Carlo area of Camagüey underscores the urgent need for stricter road safety measures in Cuba for both motorized vehicles and animal-drawn transportation. There's a pressing necessity to improve road conditions to prevent future tragedies.
Understanding Cuba's Road Safety Challenges
What are the main causes of accidents involving horse-drawn carts in Cuba?
Accidents involving horse-drawn carts in Cuba often occur due to lack of proper lighting and safety regulations, as well as poor road conditions.
Why is there a call for stricter road safety measures in Cuba?
The call for stricter road safety measures in Cuba is driven by the frequent occurrence of accidents involving both motorized and animal-drawn vehicles, which often result in injuries and fatalities.