An accident in the capital neighborhood of Miramar has raised alarms for Cuban drivers navigating the streets of Havana, as numerous traffic lights remain out of service. The incident, which occurred at the intersection of 30th Street and 7th Avenue in Miramar, Playa, resulted in a collision between two cars. Although no injuries were reported, the non-functional traffic light at the intersection was a key factor in the crash, as the drivers failed to exercise necessary precautions.
A user reported the issue on the Facebook group “Accidentes Automovilísticos en Cuba,” cautioning others to "be very careful, several traffic lights are out." In the comments section of the post, other users shared reports of inactive traffic lights throughout Havana at that time. "Santa Catalina and Juan Delgado, traffic light also out," one user noted. Another person mentioned that "daily accidents happen because of these damn traffic lights without power."
Amidst a severe energy crisis, the daily lives of the Cuban population are heavily disrupted. Power outages not only affect life inside homes but also impact transportation and the safety of Cubans as they move around. Recently, Cuban drivers have taken to social media to voice their frustrations over power cuts leaving traffic lights dark, leading to chaotic situations that sometimes result in serious traffic accidents.
Facebook groups dedicated to accidents, social media posts, and comments reflect a growing sense of insecurity among Cuban drivers and pedestrians who are witnessing the disappearance of essential traffic signals from the urban landscape of their towns and cities.
Impact of Traffic Light Outages in Havana
Here are some frequently asked questions about the ongoing traffic light outages in Havana and their implications:
Why are traffic lights in Havana not working?
The ongoing energy crisis in Cuba has led to widespread power outages, affecting the functionality of traffic lights throughout Havana.
What should drivers do when they encounter an intersection with a non-functional traffic light?
Drivers should exercise extreme caution, treat the intersection as a four-way stop, and proceed only when it is safe to do so.
How are Cuban authorities addressing the issue of non-functional traffic lights?
There has been no official statement from Cuban authorities addressing this specific issue, leaving drivers and pedestrians to navigate these dangerous intersections on their own.