By: Joana Almeida
Road problems continue to cause victims while the State and insurance companies treat the situation as normal
As is widely known, 2025 was marked by numerous road fatalities, many of them caused by the poor condition of the roads.
2026 also began with asphalt stained with the blood of road accident victims. Reports indicate that on the night of March 17 of the current year, accidents and truck and bus crashes occurred on the road connecting Kwanza Norte and Luanda. A similar situation, though in slightly different forms, has been recorded on other national roads across the country, including the routes linking Uíge and Luanda, Kwanza Sul and Huambo, and Luanda and Benguela.
It is important to emphasize that a paved road full of potholes and lacking proper signage is not merely an inconvenience; it is a direct risk factor for accidents, economic losses, and even loss of life.
Although often treated as a “normal” issue in some areas, the combination of deteriorated road surfaces and lack of proper guidance creates a highly dangerous environment for all road users.
First, potholes seriously compromise the safety of drivers and vehicles. When a driver tries to avoid a pothole—especially at high speed—they may lose control, enter the opposite lane, and cause a collision. This increases the risk of head-on crashes.
For motorcycles and bicycles, the danger is even greater: a single impact can cause severe falls.
In addition, deep potholes can lead to mechanical damage such as burst tires, misalignment, and suspension problems. Another major risk is road unpredictability. Roads with many potholes force drivers to make constant sudden decisions, diverting attention from surrounding traffic.
This reduces reaction time to other hazards such as pedestrians crossing, animals on the road, or sudden stops by other vehicles.
The situation worsens when there is a lack of road signage. The absence of warning signs, faded or missing road markings, and lack of speed indicators creates confusion.
Drivers lose visual guidance on how to behave, especially at night or in low-visibility conditions such as rain 🌧️ or fog.
Without proper signage, the risk increases in critical areas such as dangerous curves ↩️, intersections, or construction zones 🏗️.
A pothole on a curve with no warning can easily surprise a driver and lead to a crash. Similarly, the lack of horizontal road markings ↔️ (lane lines 🛣️) makes it difficult to identify lanes, increasing the risk of side collisions.
From an economic perspective, the impact is significant. Drivers end up spending more on vehicle maintenance, while transport companies face delays and additional costs.
For the State, indirect costs are also high, as accidents generate healthcare expenses, insurance claims, and loss of productivity.
There is also a strong social impact: damaged roads 🛣️ limit access ♿ to essential services such as hospitals, schools, and markets, especially in rural areas. This contributes to the isolation of communities and slows local economic development.
To reduce these risks, investment in preventive road maintenance is essential, including pavement rehabilitation. Road signage must be clear, visible, and updated, including warning signs, lane markings, and reflective devices.
Enforcement also plays an important role in ensuring road safety standards are respected.
In summary, a paved road full of potholes and poor signage represents a real and constant danger. It is not only about comfort but about public safety. Improving road conditions is an effective way to save lives, reduce costs, and ensure safe and efficient mobility.
In a context where roads are full of potholes 🕳️, deteriorating asphalt, and poor signage, a legitimate question arises: what rights do motorists have in relation to insurance companies and the State, especially when they regularly pay insurance and circulation taxes (monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual)?
First, it is important to understand that motor insurance, particularly mandatory third-party liability insurance, is mainly designed to cover damage caused to third parties.
However, when an accident is caused by poor road conditions—such as deep potholes or lack of signage—the driver may not be directly responsible.
In such cases, the driver has the right to request a fair assessment from the insurance company and, if applicable, claim under comprehensive coverage (if such a policy has been taken out).
Before that, the driver can and should file complaints with the authorities responsible for road maintenance.
In many countries, the State or local administrations have a legal duty to ensure that roads remain safe. When negligence is proven—such as lack of maintenance or missing signage—citizens may seek compensation for vehicle damage or even physical injuries.
Another important issue concerns circulation taxes. By paying these fees—whether every three months, six months, or annually—drivers contribute to the maintenance of road infrastructure. Therefore, there is an implied right to demand safe and functional roads 🚦.
When this does not happen, it opens the door to public complaints, formal claims, and even collective action depending on local law.
Regarding insurance companies, clients have the right to transparency, prompt claims assessment, and fair treatment. If a claim is rejected, the insurer must clearly justify its decision based on the contract.
If the insured disagrees, they may seek mediation, regulatory bodies, or even court action.
Drivers are also advised to document incidents carefully: photographs of potholes, missing signs, location details, and witnesses. This evidence is essential for insurance claims and complaints against public authorities.
In summary, motorists are not passive payers of taxes and insurance 🔐. They have clear rights: road safety, transparency in services, and the ability to demand accountability when structural failures occur.
Understanding these rights is essential not only for personal protection but also for improving road conditions for everyone.
To answer the recurring question of whether motorists must still pay insurance and circulation taxes despite poor road conditions, the simple answer is: yes.
Legally, drivers are still required to pay insurance and taxes even when the State or insurers fail to deliver effectively.
However, this does not mean they must accept the situation without response. There are legal ways to demand accountability.
Mandatory vehicle insurance 🔐 exists to protect third parties in the event of road accidents. Its validity does not depend on the condition of the roads. Driving without insurance can result in fines, vehicle seizure, and other penalties.
Similarly, circulation taxes are legal obligations linked to vehicle ownership and use, regardless of road quality. Non-payment can lead to penalties, interest, and legal consequences.
The key point is: being required to pay does not remove the right to demand better conditions and compensation.
When accidents are caused by potholes, lack of signage, or maintenance negligence, drivers may:
Claim compensation from the State or road management authority if negligence is proven 🧾;
Contact the insurance company, depending on coverage;
Take legal action or contact regulatory bodies in case of unfair refusal;
File formal complaints or engage in collective action when many citizens are affected.
If such cases result in fatalities, they may go beyond administrative error and potentially involve criminal liability, depending on applicable law.
