Motorcycle deaths soar in the Dominican Republic

[Dolores]

A staggering number of motorcycle fatalities are reported in 2024. According to the National Institute of Transit and Land Transport (Intrant), over 3,000 people have lost their lives in traffic accidents this year alone, and a shocking 70% of those victims were riding motorcycles.

Historically, holiday periods such as Easter Week and the end-of-year festivities come with a surge in traffic accidents, with motorcyclists disproportionately affected. This trend has become increasingly alarming in recent years.

Intrant director Milton Morrison has described the situation as an “epidemic,” emphasizing the urgent need for intervention. The data from hospitals like the Juan Bosch Traumatology Hospital in La Vega paints a grim picture. Over the past five years, 80-85% of emergency room patients have been victims of traffic accidents, and more than 70% of those were...

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[chico bill]

Not sure why this is news. Seems ever other motorcyclist has no helmet, lights nor do they obey any traffic laws.
And when Digisett tries to stop them at roadside checkpoint the helmetless riders ride fast past them using a vehicle between themselves and the officers as a screen, basically laughing at them

 

[Seamonkey]

Not sure why this is news. Seems ever other motorcyclist has no helmet, lights nor do they obey any traffic laws.
And when Digisett tries to stop them at roadside checkpoint the helmetless riders ride fast past them using a vehicle between themselves and the officers as a screen, basically laughing at them

Yet, Digisset still brings in 20-30 motos each day to their lot on their flat bed.

 

[drstock]

"Outside of the capital city, few motorcyclists adhere to the ruling that obliges them to wear helmets. Likewise, the traffic authorities are extremely complacent with motorcyclists who violate traffic laws. Moreso, the courts seem to have been instructed to rule in favor of motorcyclists when these are involved in traffic accidents versus those driving vehicles."

Favouring moto riders when they crash with cars is one thing that frightens me about driving my car here. I expect we all know of several injustices in cases like these.

 

[Jan]

At least a few times a week my dogs and I have close calls with motors on the sidewalks. And the police just watch and shake their heads.

 

[Manuel01]

Yet, Digisset still brings in 20-30 motos each day to their lot on their flat bed.

a Day ? i think it's closer to 20-30 an Hour.

 

[Manuel01]

It's a double-edged sword. Moto Drivers are generally acting like lunatics and Car Drivers do not respect them and/or ignore them. I never have seen a Car that gave right of way to a moto.

​

 

[chicagoan14]

There's no amount of recorded deaths that would push moto drivers to be more cautious. I have a strong distaste for moto drivers and public transportation drivers alike. both circulate with impunity it seems. At least the carrito drivers are counting their days before mass unemployment or significantly reduced riders. Motos will always be around.

 

[cavok]

Deaths "soaring"? It's always been like this. From the article:

"These numbers are consistent with previous years, highlighting the ongoing crisis."

 

[Peterj]

Nothing will change because absolutely nobody gives a f**k.

 

[Seamonkey]

a Day ? i think it's closer to 20-30 an Hour.

No. About 20-30 per day. They only have 1 flat bed and it gets loaded twice per day on average.

 

[drstock]

It's a double-edged sword. Moto Drivers are generally acting like lunatics and Car Drivers do not respect them and/or ignore them. I never have seen a Car that gave right of way to a moto.

​

Really? You have never seen me drive then.

 

[irishpaddy]

If the Police dont wear helmets and they are supposed to upholders of the law ...why will anyone else

 

[Father Guido]

It's a double-edged sword. Moto Drivers are generally acting like lunatics and Car Drivers do not respect them and/or ignore them. I never have seen a Car that gave right of way to a moto.

​

and why would we?

 

[josh2203]

Really? You have never seen me drive then.

Same here and every driver I know in the DR... We first let the brainless moto drivers go and then move ourselves... Also, it's good to keep in mind that a car/truck is usually uncapable of moving the same way a motorbike is, so the movements of any car are much more predictable. Yes, you can speed like a maniac with car as well, but you cannot swerve quite a as quickly as with a motorbike I think

 

[JD Jones]

Nothing will get you in trouble faster than driving too fast for conditions. Speed kills.

I don't drive fast at all anymore, always use my signals, and constantly check all of my mirrors to see who is a potential problem.

I can't begin to count how many times a person on a motorcycle following me has passed me on the right, even though I've slowed down with my right turn signal on.

The problem is they don't pay attention to what they're doing.

 

[Jan]

I've seen a few motorcycles hit into opening car doors on the curb side. The vehicle driver pulls to the curb, the passenger opens door to exit to the sidewalk and a motorcycle, not paying attention, runs into the open door. Thank goodness I never saw a human get hit exiting.

One driver got out of his car and punched the motorcycle guy and he fell down. I walked outta the area fast.

 

[josh2203]

I've seen a few motorcycles hit into opening car doors on the curb side. The vehicle driver pulls to the curb, the passenger opens door to exit to the sidewalk and a motorcycle, not paying attention, runs into the open door. Thank goodness I never saw a human get hit exiting.

One driver got out of his car and punched the motorcycle guy and he fell down. I walked outta the area fast.

This is another thing I have in fact always done and taught this to my family. Regardless on which side of the car you're sitting in, before opening the door, check outside to both directions. In particular if the pavement is narrow, you might hit a pedestrian opening the door. Of course, on the driver's side, you have to do the same for traffic as well, otherwise a truck might take your door with them...

On another note, from your example, not sure if motorcycles even belong to the sidewalk...

 

[SKY]

 

[chicagoan14]

Nothing will get you in trouble faster than driving too fast for conditions. Speed kills.

I don't drive fast at all anymore, always use my signals, and constantly check all of my mirrors to see who is a potential problem.

I can't begin to count how many times a person on a motorcycle following me has passed me on the right, even though I've slowed down with my right turn signal on.

The problem is they don't pay attention to what they're doing.

Absolutely.
In theory, the moto should be behind you. They cannot see my turn signal on the side of my car.

A moto crashed into me passing me on the LEFT as I was turning on a four lane-two way street. of course he was upset saying it was my fault and that he has the right to go around into oncoming traffic. I told that stupid POS you pass on the right where cars are not turning. he was pretty messed up. bike was undrivable. i gave him some money on the spot and told him to F off. would've cost me days of work going back and forth to casa de conductores even though I wasn't at fault. better to just pay on the spot if you can and be done with it. cause you never know what'll happen when you get downtown.

I used to ride motorcycles here years ago until my last crash. i wouldn't get on one unless I'm out in the campo in a field.