52 dead in traffic accidents in Havana in four months

52 dead in traffic accidents in Havana in four months

HAVANA, Cuba - June 12 (Reinaldo Cosano Alén, Lux Info Press /
www.cubanet.org) - In the first four months of the year, 52 died and 251
were hurt in 1,101 traffic accidents in the city of Havana.

Many of the dead were cyclists who hitch rides behind buses and
motorcycle riders who don't wear the helmets required by law.

The helmets, many complain, are sold only at high prices in convertible
currency.

Other factors cited for the proliferation of accidents were the low
level of education in traffic procedures, the lack of respect for
traffic signals, excessive speed and drunk driving. Havana residents
also add the poor state of the streets as a contributory factor.

In the island as a whole, there were 34,000 deaths and 310,000 injuries
as a result of traffic accidents between 1976 and 2000.

http://www.cubanet.org/CNews/y06/jun06/14e1.htm