WILLEMSTAD – On average, five to six traffic accidents occur daily in Curaçao due to drivers ignoring red lights, according to data from Forensys, the organization that records traffic accidents on behalf of insurers. In 2023, a total of 12,000 accidents were reported, averaging 35 per day. Running red lights is one of the leading causes of the most severe incidents.
Most red-light-related accidents happen during rush hours—mornings when people commute to work and school, and late afternoons after work. A higher number of accidents are also observed during holidays. Roads such as Schottegatweg Noord, Rooseveldweg, Sta. Rosaweg, and Caracasbaaiweg are hotspots for accidents, partly due to their length and narrow design.
Key Causes and Safety Measures
According to Forensys, the three main causes of these accidents are driver inattention, failure to yield, and unexpected or dangerous maneuvers. "It is essential that drivers respect traffic signs and signals," emphasized Elizabeth, a spokesperson for Forensys.
The organization has launched an awareness campaign to promote greater adherence to traffic regulations. Elizabeth noted some positive outcomes from these efforts, such as increased police visibility at traffic incidents and more active enforcement of the rules. However, she stressed that continued collaboration and awareness are needed to improve road safety.
Uninsured Vehicles and Accident Rates
Curaçao has approximately 115,000 vehicles in use, with 30,000 of them uninsured. Of the 12,000 annual accidents, 3,500 involve uninsured vehicles—a figure Forensys considers alarming.