A significant crash unfolded on Thursday evening along Trilladeras Road in Ciego de Ávila. The accident involved a tourist taxi that collided with the rear tires of a semi-truck as it tried to dodge an unlit horse-drawn cart, locally referred to as a "horse spider."
The taxi, which was completely wrecked and left on the roadside, was driven by a worker from the tourism sector. The condition of the driver remains unknown. This incident, occurring at night, has reignited local concerns about the dangers posed by makeshift vehicles like "spiders" or horse-drawn carts, which operate without proper lighting or signals.
The Ongoing Threat of Improvised Vehicles
Such vehicles have become a persistent hazard on the roads, particularly in rural areas where traffic is sparse and nighttime visibility is poor. Numerous Facebook users have voiced their outrage over the lack of effective measures to prevent these kinds of accidents.
"The problem is that there aren't any strong measures taken against those who drive at night in complete darkness. It's a potential hazard on the roads," commented one user. Another suggested that authorities should ban these vehicles, also known as "volantes," due to the irresponsibility of their operators.
Uncontrolled Animals Add to Road Dangers
In addition, some pointed out the constant danger posed by loose animals, such as horses, roaming freely on the roads, especially in the early morning and late evening. "It's not just the cart drivers who are irresponsible, but also the drivers who need to be more vigilant," stated another comment.
This latest accident has reopened the debate on the urgent need for preventive measures to ensure road safety in Ciego de Ávila and other provinces, where the use of these vehicles remains common practice.