🚗💔 Every Latin American country has made roads safer since 1980… except one. Let's explore ↓

Longtime Latinometrics readers know that there are some rules you can almost always count on when observing regional trends in Latin America. For example, Uruguay tends to be a regional leader in most matters, while everyone has strong opinions about Cuba’s placement in any chart.

Another rule of ours is that, if one random country in Latin America bucks a trend and is unique, it’s almost always Paraguay for some reason. Today is one of those days, as we look to driving-related deaths across the region.

First the good news: everywhere except Paraguay, the trend between 1980 and now has been downwards—something you can remind your parents and grandparents next time they tell you today’s drivers are worse than in their generation.

Increasing safety on the roads is arguably one of the most effective ways to save lives, given road accidents are the 8th most common cause of death for all age groups.

So how good are the news? In Mexico alone, 43K lives are spared each year compared to 1980 rates. Across the region, it’s 113K. That’s a lot of people thankfully still around today.

Our friend Paraguay needs some help in road safety. It has gone from the second-safest country for drivers in 1980 to one of the least safe. The late 2010s saw a massive spike in fatalities on the road, with the most likely culprit being an explosion in motorcycle ownership.

story continues… 💌

Source: Death rate from road injuries, 2021

Tools: Figma Rawgraphs

Posted by latinometrics

8 comments

  1. In Africa many countries experienced an increase in road injuries as the country developed, because roads improved and speed increased. Perhaps the same effect in Paraguay?

  2. any info on what’s driven increasing motorcycle ownership in Paraguay specifically?

  3. Because roads in Paraguay are kinda trambolic, you have to know how to go up and how to go down

  4. Cuba tapping side of head: No traffic fatalities if no one can afford a car

  5. “Only minimal standards must be met to obtain a Paraguayan driver’s license, and driver education prior to licensing is not common. Drivers throughout Paraguay routinely ignore traffic regulations.

    No vehicle insurance is required, and many Paraguayans drive without any insurance coverage. Persons who drive in Paraguay should be prepared to drive defensively and with adequate insurance.

    There are a very high number of motorcycle accidents in Paraguay.

    Armed robberies and pick-pocketing occur on buses in cities and rural areas, sometimes with the apparent collusion of the bus driver. No passenger train service exists. Bicycle travel may not be safe because of traffic and other road hazards.

    Most urban streets consist of rough cobblestones over dirt. Some roads in Asuncion and other large cities are paved. However, these roads frequently develop potholes that often remain unrepaired. Besides some main highways, nearly all rural roads are unpaved, and during rainy periods and the rainy season (November-March/April), they may be impassable. Major paved roads in Asuncion are prone to flooding and extreme caution should be used during rain storms. Road signs indicating hazards, such as sharp curves or major intersections, are lacking in many areas.

    Driving or traveling at night is not advisable outside Asuncion because pedestrians, animals, or vehicles without proper lights are often found on the roads. In addition, assaults and other crimes against motorists traveling at night have occurred. Extra precautions should be exercised along infrequently traveled portions of rural roads.”

    https://www.countryreports.org/country/Paraguay/traffic.htm

  6. The Dominican Republic being damn near a straight line is somehow even funnier.

  7. I wonder how the charts of pedestrian deaths look…

  8. The main reason for decreased traffic fatalities worldwide is improved automobile design, not policies in individual countries, and probably not improved drivers (though in some places, decreased drunk driving has an effect).

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