WILLEMSTAD - 28 percent of vehicles involved in accidents do not have car insurance, according to Forensys Curaçao. This marks a significant increase compared to 2022 when this percentage was almost sixteen percent.
In 2022, Curaçao recorded over ten thousand traffic incidents with damage, involving nearly 19,000 cars. According to Forensys' annual figures, which register damage reports on behalf of insurers, there are more than 88,000 insured cars on the island.
The Curaçao police issued over eighteen thousand traffic fines last year, primarily for lacking the necessary documents, including insurance papers. These types of violations constitute almost 78 percent of all issued traffic citations.
Interestingly, the average police officer on the street rarely issues fines. The data shows that this only amounts to about 500 fines.
Political Action
Despite the promise in 2015 to have legislation in place against, for example, driving under the influence of alcohol, political action has been lacking. According to the Public Prosecution Service, strict enforcement against driving under the influence could have a quick impact, but hundreds of deaths later, they are still waiting for political steps.
A lack of funds or political will to repair damaged roads and traffic signs plays a role. Also, when new asphalt is laid, new road markings are often forgotten due to budget constraints, at least according to the government.
Speed checks are not carried out, and speed cameras are rendered useless because the government refuses to legally anchor license plate liability.