Witnesses reported a car crash on the road leading to Santa Lucía in the Camagüey province. The incident was shared in the Facebook group 'Accidentes Buses & Camiones'. Allegedly, the driver was under the influence, leading to a loss of control. Fortunately, there were no fatalities.
A user in the group stated, "Right now on the road to Santa Lucía, Camagüey. The driver couldn't stand from being drunk. Thank God there were no human losses."
The vehicle, a maroon utility car with the license plate T031786, ended up stuck in the roadside brush near this popular tourist destination in Camagüey.
The Growing Concern of Rental Car Accidents in Cuba
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of traffic accidents in Cuba involving rental cars. These vehicles have been criticized by users as "death machines" due to inadequate maintenance and a lack of spare parts, leading to frequent mishaps on the island.
A similar crash occurred last December in Las Tunas, involving a taxi and a rental car, which resulted in three deaths and several injuries. Additionally, in March 2024, another rental vehicle caught fire after losing control on the Bayamo-Holguín highway. Just recently, another rental car accident resulted in one fatality and two injuries.
Calls for Stricter Safety Measures
Local authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the recent accident but are expected to conduct investigations to clarify the circumstances and assign accountability.
The recurring nature of these incidents underscores the urgent need for stronger control measures and heightened awareness of responsible driving, particularly for tourists and rental car customers in Cuba.
Understanding the Risk of Rental Cars in Cuba
Why are rental cars in Cuba considered dangerous?
Rental cars in Cuba are often deemed dangerous due to poor maintenance and a shortage of spare parts, leading to frequent accidents.
What steps can be taken to improve road safety in Cuba?
Enhancing road safety in Cuba can be achieved by implementing stricter vehicle maintenance regulations, raising awareness about responsible driving, and improving infrastructure.
How do authorities respond to traffic accidents in Cuba?
Cuban authorities typically conduct investigations to determine the causes and responsibilities of traffic accidents, although official statements may be delayed.