Drivers Blamed for Majority of Traffic Accidents in Cuba

In a recent analysis of road incidents throughout 2024, the Cuban government has pointed fingers at drivers as the primary culprits behind the nation's traffic accidents. A report from the Specialized Traffic Agency of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) highlights that the leading cause of such mishaps last year stemmed from drivers failing to pay adequate attention while controlling their vehicles. This was followed by the disregard for right-of-way and excessive speeding.

Colonel Roberto Rodríguez Fernández, head of the police division responsible for traffic, noted a decrease in accidents, fatalities, and injuries in 2024 compared to the previous year. Although there was a 12% reduction, the country still experienced 7,507 accidents, resulting in 634 deaths (a decrease of 13%) and 6,613 injuries (a 4% drop), as reported by the official newspaper Granma.

The report indicates that a lack of attention to driving accounted for 30% of accidents. Despite a reduction in incidents caused by failing to yield, these still accounted for the highest number of fatalities, at 29.9%. While accidents due to speeding were fewer, and related deaths and injuries also declined, this factor remains "extremely dangerous, with each accident resulting in at least one injury and every seventh incident leading to a fatality."

Authorities revealed that 665 drivers were under the influence of alcohol at the time of their accidents. Consequently, 1,204 driving licenses were suspended for up to a year, 20 were revoked due to repeated offenses, and 35 cases resulted in charges for drunkenness.

The official report also warns that pedestrian accidents continue to be the third leading cause of fatalities and are considered the most hazardous type of accident. Additionally, there was a rise in incidents involving bicycles and pedicabs, as well as in deaths and injuries stemming from these accidents. Motorcycles and mopeds were involved in 3% more incidents compared to 2023, reflecting their contribution to the overall accident statistics.

Challenges with Non-Motorized Vehicles and Infrastructure

Animal-drawn vehicles were involved in 436 accidents, causing 22 deaths and injuring 252 individuals. The drivers of these vehicles were deemed responsible for 57% (238) of the incidents they were part of.

Colonel Raúl Cano López, deputy head of the specialized agency for criminal and common offense investigations at the Ministry of the Interior, emphasized that "human error remains the direct primary cause in each incident." He expressed concern over "traffic indiscipline alongside the increased presence of electric motorcycles and mopeds on the roads, a condition that heightens danger."

He acknowledged that "a significant number of electric motorcycle riders lack the appropriate driving licenses, some even being under 16 years old." He also warned about modifications being made to electrical systems to achieve higher speeds and the use of non-standard helmets.

Vice Premier Jorge Luis Tapia Fonseca acknowledged the poor condition of major roads and highways in the country but asserted that this is not the main cause of traffic accidents.

In its report on road accidents during 2023, the Cuban government attributed 91% of the incidents to human factors. An earlier report covering January to October 2023 identified speeding and alcohol consumption as leading causes of accidents, injuries, and deaths during that period.

Specifically, authorities blamed "human error" for the tragic collision of two worker transport buses that occurred this Monday on the road connecting Morón to the Island of Turiguanó in Ciego de Ávila, which resulted in six fatalities and 59 injuries.