This morning’s Hoy newspaper states that the National Insurance Association’s figures indicate that 100,000 vehicular accidents were recorded last year and that 20% involve trucks, principally 18-wheelers. The high rate of traffic accidents attributable to heavy vehicles on the nation’s roads and highways is alarming. In Santo Domingo alone, in the year 2000, heavy vehicles caused 5,219 accidents, according to Luis Pina, director of the agency for ground transport, Oficina Nacional de Transito Terrestre. The greatest number of accidents was reported in April, 643 followed by February with 537. With a view to reducing these numbers, Pina said that his office would create a special lane for such vehicles. He also plans to establish strict speed limits and will introduce mental and physical check-ups for truck drivers, to make certain that they are fit for their jobs.
