Havana Cuba. – Every year in Cuba, traffic accidents cause hundreds of premature deaths and permanent injuries. This scourge, recently described as “a silent and walking epidemic” by the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has been the fifth cause of death on the island for more than two decades.
Unlike an accident, which is considered an unexpected and unforeseeable event despite having taken precautions, when the result of an irresponsible action causes death or injury to other people, we are facing a criminal act.
It is important to establish the difference between both cases, to take action and stop the unstoppable wave of accidents.
The numbers speak for themselves: in the year 2022, Cuba registered a total of 9,848 traffic accidents, with 700 deaths and 7,689 injured people, some of them with serious injuries and permanent physical sequelae, according to data provided by Colonel Roberto Rodríguez Fernández. , head of the Specialized Traffic Agency of the General Directorate of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR), in the round tableto last February 1.
In addition to the human consequences, the accident epidemic also has a significant economic impact, with an estimated loss of 500 million dollars, which represents an affectation of three to five percent of the Gross Domestic Product.
It is important to take urgent and effective measures to stop this epidemic of accidents in Cuba, especially in the provinces of Havana, Holguín, Villa Clara and Santiago de Cuba, which report more accident cases.
Adopting a responsible attitude and respecting traffic regulations is essential to guarantee road safety and protect the lives of all citizens.
During the 2020-2022 triennium, traffic accidents in Cuba have been increasing, registering an unstoppable rise. In particular, during the year 2022, a total of 9,848 accidents were recorded, which represents an increase of 17 percent compared to the previous year. There was also an increase of 8.32 percent in the number of accidents during the year 2021 compared to 2020.
Unfortunately, these accidents had fatal consequences, with a total of 700 deaths and 7,689 injuries.
The mortality rate reached 6.2 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, including minors and young people. While some victims were lucky to get out of the accident without serious injuries, others suffered long-term physical and emotional scars.
Rodríguez Fernández identifies several causes that explain the increase in traffic accidents in Cuba during the 2020-2022 triennium.
These include the difficult economic conditions of the country, the scarcity and deficiencies of public transport and the proliferation of motorcycles and mopeds on the same road axis, mostly in fair or poor condition.
The problem is compounded when one considers that accidents involving motorcycles and mopeds (44 percent, almost half of all traffic accidents) are responsible for 27 percent of fatalities and 42 percent of injuries .
In addition, more than half (53 percent) of the vehicles inspected on the Island have deficiencies.
On the other hand, it is pointed out that the state of the roads, the number of vehicles and the lack of signage can also be an indirect cause of accidents. Ultimately, it is important to address these issues to reduce accident risks and improve road safety.
It is true that the defective state of the roads, the lack of signaling and the problems with the vehicle fleet can be a factor that contributes to traffic accidents in Cuba. However, this does not exempt drivers from their responsibility and obligation to respect traffic rules and regulations.
Although it is understandable that there are drivers who do not agree with road conditions or road safety measures, this does not justify the fact of challenging them and putting your life and that of other road users at risk.
Therefore, it is necessary to emphasize educational programs and reinforcement measures that make it possible to convey the importance of driver education.
In the same way, it is necessary to put public transport in order to guarantee a service that meets the needs of citizens and reduce the number of vehicles in circulation, and implement serious policies to control the proliferation of road indiscipline by motorcycle drivers in the ways.
Nearly 35,000 drivers were detected driving without a license during 2022. The authorities can, should and have to establish severe measures for those who break the laws, at the same time, it is also important to carry out awareness campaigns and promote a culture of respect and driver education.
Joint work between authorities and citizens can achieve safer driving and reduce the number of accidents, as well as deaths and injuries.
OPINION ARTICLE
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