Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
Havana, October 11 — The incidence of traffic accidents, many with fatal outcomes, is a matter of concern systematically addressed by the National Road Safety Commission in its meetings with the territories. Colonel Roberto Rodríguez Fernández, head of the National Traffic Directorate of the Ministry of the Interior (Minint), explained that from January to August 2025, there were 5,025 accidents, 41 more than in the same period last year, resulting in 4,516 injuries and 502 deaths.
He clarified that the most critical regions are Villa Clara, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, and Artemisa, which increased their accident rates by more than a third compared to 2024. Concerning recorded danger levels, he highlighted that Havana, Ciego de Ávila, Villa Clara, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba feature the highest complexity, mainly linked to incidents involving motorcycle or moped drivers and pedestrians.
He warned that the participation of motorcycles and mopeds has increased across all indicators, accounting for 32% of all fatalities, mainly in Villa Clara, Pinar del Río, Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and Ciego de Ávila, with the latter experiencing the most tragic cases—one death every five accidents. The growth in mopeds is evident across the country and in several provinces, confirming the trend from recent months.
It’s estimated that recklessness by drivers of these vehicles causes about 11 accidents daily, with at least seven injuries and one death every six days, exacerbated by poor safety measures such as the lack or poor quality of helmets. Moped and motorcycle drivers participate in 52% of the accidents nationwide, causing 32% of deaths and 42% of injuries.
The main causes of accidents include inadequate attention while controlling the vehicle and disrespect for right-of-way, which account for 63% of incidents. There has also been a significant increase in violations such as speeding, technical failures, pedestrian violations, and improper overtaking—all responsible for 25% of accidents and 28% of deaths.
Luis César Ladrón de Guevara Marzal, deputy minister of transport, emphasized prioritizing prevention actions over confrontation and starting early preparations to handle increased transportation levels during year-end months. He called for innovative strategies to increase awareness, especially in the most challenged province, Villa Clara, urging the reimplementation of effective past approaches.
Authorities also highlighted the need to improve road infrastructure, such as mandatory right-lane circulation for motorcycles and mopeds and better signaling at pedestrian crossings and traffic lights, especially considering the aging population, mostly for their protection.
They stressed that seven out of ten accidents result in victims, mainly from vehicle collisions, which remain the most dangerous—responsible for 36% of fatalities (one every five accidents).
Speeding increases all indicators; each accident results in at least one victim, and every five accidents leads to one fatality. In Havana, Matanzas, and Santiago de Cuba, there have been increases, with Matanzas experiencing the highest complexity, where one person dies for every three incidents. (Text and photo: ACN)
