Dominican traffic oddities - tips for driving in DR

[CFA123]

Perhaps DR1 could use a visual "rules of the road" thread for those who are thinking of getting behind the wheel in DR for the first time.

I'll kick it off with this video:


RULE#1 For disabled visitors, please note that handicap lanes are available for your convenience and safety.
YouTube - Dominican Drift Chair



Please post links to videos and photos you think will help with this project.

 

[Chip00]

I can't get the video to work even after loading the latest flash player - do you have another link with a different format?

 

[CommTHOR]

I never thought a wheelchair could go that fast without falling apart. The guy's kahonas certainly aren't disabled.. lol

 

[Hillbilly]

Tips for driving #2

Please remember that a motocycle and a 100 lb tank of propane have the right-of -way at all times.

Tips for driving #3

STOP means go slower through the intersection. Never STOP at a STOP sign if there is someone behind you. REAR ENDERS happen....

Tips for driving #4

If you need change for a RD$100 peso bill, by all means stop inthe center lane and flag down a friendly TAxi for change...SOP for ALL taxis and publicos.

Tips for driving #5

NEVER EVER drive by an accident without finding out all the details. You are allowed to stop in any lane, get out and ask questions. The person(s) involved might, just might be one of your cousins thrice removed...or the aunt of one of your former girlfriends/boyfriends.....or somebody you don't know at all but feel you should have known...

And the band played on....

HB

 

[Bob K]

Tip #6

One way means that you can only drive in one direction at a time, you choose which direction you want. This is especially true if driving a motoconcho.

Bob K

 

[Frank the Tank]

Tip #7

Pray

 

[DavidZ]

Tip #8

Disconnect all rear lights to avoid the temptation to alert other drivers of your presence and/or intention of slowing down or stopping, also removes the need to use your directional signals.

 

[cobraboy]

Tip #9:

With great forethought, all Dominican roads were designed for over capacity. 3 lanes means 5 cars abreast can occupy the 3 lanes.

Tip #10:

When traffic is clogged in all directions based on Tip#9, blaring horns have majical powers to clear the jams.

Tip #11:

It's always the gringo's fault.

 

[la_barbie]

too sum up all tips : Drive opposite of how you do from where ever you're from

 

[George Holmes]

Tip 11. Traffic lights serve an aesthetic purpose only. If you are to turn, beep your horn, manouvoure, and only then look into the street you are turning into to see if there are obstacles in the way. If there are, it is their fault for not getting out of the way when you beeped.

Tip 12. Try to avoid having only one person on a motoconcho at any one time. To maximise efficiency of road space, each motoconcho should ideally be occupied by: the driver, his wife, their three children, their propane tank, their live chickens.

 

[cobraboy]

Tip #12:

When attempting to make a Left turn on a two or three lane street, get into the far right lane and then make your left turn at will.

 

[planner]

Definition of a "Split Second"

The time between when a light turns green and the horns start blasting.

 

[JRR]

tip # ?

traffic lights:

green-go through without looking at a minimum speed of 50 MPH
yellow-a suggestion
red-optional

yellow line down the center of the street-an excuse for the gov't to use funds

stop signs, one way signs, speed limits-optional, and suggestions again

one way streets-means only one way at a time, speed limit is open, lights at night again are optional

crosswalks-more wasted paint

always be careful driving on a four lane road...two lanes in each direction normally becomes five lanes coming at you

when driving at night, lights like everything else are optional!

JRR

 

[SKY]

Speaking about lights at night. Either none, or you will think they just turned on the lights at Yankee Stadium in your face.

 

[zak023]

Tip #12:

When attempting to make a Left turn on a two or three lane street, get into the far right lane and then make your left turn at will.

Ain't this the truth... And I was worried about passing my test because I ain't fluent in Spanish...Hell they might make me an instructor.!!!LOL...

 

[dv8]

i do not drive so:

a pedestrian: moving target
a gringo pedestrian: moving target with money
time for reflection and meditation: time spent waiting to cross the street

but i learn how to drive so:
upper mirror: to check the makeup
side mirrors: don't know, never use
minovio: to check distance and warn about traffic
motoconcho: this thing on the side waiting to be hit

 

[Conchman]

When pulling up to an intersection, never pull up BEHIND the car in front trying to get on the main road. Pull to the LEFT side of him so that you have a chance to get unto the main road faster. If you're the 3rd car then pull to the RIGHT of the first car in front so that now all 3 cars are next to each other trying to get unto the main road. This way NOBODY can see if there is car coming from the left or right on the main road. Then honk horn wildly and wonder why its impossible to get unto the main road without risking your life.

Just try to go out of the Cofresi intersection by the POP highway to see this in action daily.

 

[planner]

That drives me wild Conchman! Some days I wish my little tiny car was a great big monster truck so I could run over them all.

Any one else notice how traffic moves much better when the traffic lights are NOT functioning?

 

[Maggie6872]

top #37 (just a number to get us back on track!!)
whether passenger or driver--use your hands outside the vehicle as much as possible- pointing to flora and fauna and things you see on the road- give them all a little wave. This will aid traffic greatly in getting anyone around you to stop or back off suddenly.

 

[jojo2130]

Tip 38

Tip 38: On a 3 lane street in Santiago, never drive in the right lanes because the caritos/Guaguas are making their pick ups and drop offs, never drive in the left land because the caritos/Guaguas are making their U-turns and left hand turns into oncoming traffic and the back up can be very long, never drive in the center lane because the traffic is brutal because of what is happening in the other 2 lanes. (sidewalks ARE An Option)

Tip 39: At an intersection NEVER give up your space , no matter how many cars are nose to nose from all different angles and how many hours you have to wait.
Never back up.