WILLEMSTAD – Despite the launch of the "Kita tur" traffic safety initiative, road safety on Curaçao remains a serious concern. According to the newly released State of Justice Report 2024, the number of traffic fines issued dropped by more than 23 percent—a trend that raises alarm rather than reassurance.
The Council for Law Enforcement concludes that previous recommendations to improve traffic enforcement have largely been ignored. The use of traffic cameras remains limited, and there is still no consistent enforcement of road safety rules. The decline in fines, the Council warns, is more likely a sign of reduced enforcement rather than improved driver behavior.
While the Kita tur project was designed to raise awareness and improve driving habits, the Council reports that the initiative has yet to show measurable results. There has been no noticeable improvement in traffic safety, and the number of accidents on the island remains high.
Startling Statistics
In 2024, more than 11,000 traffic incidents were registered by Forensys, involving over 20,000 vehicles—nearly a quarter of all cars on the island. On average, one in five of these incidents resulted in injuries, and 18 traffic fatalities were recorded throughout the year, averaging 1.5 deaths per month.
The Council is calling on authorities to significantly strengthen efforts to improve road safety. This includes not only increased enforcement, but also better traffic education and consistent policy implementation.
“Without targeted action,” the report warns, “traffic safety on Curaçao will continue to fall short.”
The findings highlight an urgent need for renewed commitment to traffic enforcement and public education, as current efforts appear insufficient to stem the tide of accidents and fatalities on the island.