Haiti's Motorcycles and Tricycles Pose Growing Road Safety Threat

Experts warn that the recent surge of motorcycles and newly introduced tricycles is endangering road safety in Haiti's capital region. In Port‑au‑Prince, especially in the districts of Delmas and Pétion‑Ville, these vehicles contribute to severe traffic congestion and a high rate of accidents.

Data from local NGOs show that motorcycles accounted for 36 % of accident victims in a 2013 study and 60 % of all road accidents in a 2018 survey. In 2019, the organization Stop Accident recorded 2,186 accidents, resulting in 3,691 victims and 497 deaths on site. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, led by Minister James Monazard, notes that the vehicles are not prohibited by Haitian law but stresses the need for reliable data and stronger regulatory control. Authorities are urged to conduct scientific studies and involve civil society to develop effective public policies addressing the growing danger.