• Submitted by: manso
• Politics and Government
• 08 / 02 / 2010

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HAVANA, Cuba, Aug 1 (acn) Cuban Parliament passed the draft of the new Road Safety Code, in its third version, after consulting deputies, drivers, lawyers and specialists in branches such as medicine, metrology and traffic.

Cuban Transportation Minister Cesar Ignacio Arocha, explained that traffic accidents are the fifth leading cause of deaths in Cuba, making it necessary to update the existing regulations in order to reduce mortality and other consequences in such events.

He cited among other priorities for this purpose, the improving of the road conditions throughout the country and the technical condition of vehicles, as well as to increase education campaigns and measures against those who drive under the influence of alcohol.

With this project we intend to mobilize the whole society on a different concept of road safety, to preserve the lives of drivers and pedestrians, particularly children and youth, said the Minister.

President of the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs Jose Luis explained that the imposition of fines resulting from traffic violations, and the system of points earned by the offenders, was the issue that generated more opinions on citizenship because of deficiencies or irregularities in its implementation.

"Although there are provisions to make by some agencies, we believe that the law must begin to take effect with all its rules already issued" Toledo said,stressing that it will be in force 180 days from its publication in the Official Gazette of the Republic.

Deputy Manuel Caceres Fernandez from Pinar del Rio province proposed tougher measures against those who drive under the influence of alcohol and other harmful substances, and to spread the new Road Safety Code, to which the Transportation Minister said that both suggestions are to be implemented immediately.

Source: ACN