President Luis Abinader used the platform of his weekly La Semanal press conference to sign Decree 656-24 ordering the drafting and implementing of a National Road Safety Plan for 2025-2030. The comprehensive plan is aimed at significantly reducing traffic fatalities and injuries in the Dominican Republic. The decree establishes the National Land Transit Institute (Intrant) is the executory branch.
In the past, governments, including the Abinader administration during his first term, have made several announcements for improving road safety. The Dominican Republic is first in road fatalities.
President Abinader says the action is taken as the country is in a public health emergency situation with 26,257 deaths of people from 2016 to September 2024. He said in 2023 alone, 121,850 persons were injured, at a cost of RD$130 billion to the public health system.
There have been few consequences for those incurring in traffic violations in the Dominican Republic. For instance, crossing a red light is practically a normal occurrence. Fines have not been a problem because they expire after a year.
The President said that from January to September 2024, 25% of the fatalities were 25 to 34 years. Most victims reside in Greater Santo Domingo, the provinces of Santiago, San Cristobal and La Altagracia.
Around 80% of the accidents in the Dominican Republic involve motorcycles. From 2020 to September 2024, the number of motorcycles in circulation increased 57%. Likewise, there are 18% more cars and SUVs and 9% more trucks. This increase, together with limited government controls and deficiencies in road structures, create major challenges for safe mobility, said the President.
“The government is committed to reduce road fatalities by 50% by 2030 and improve the interoperability of information systems on road safety,” said the President.
The pact seeks to consolidate government agencies, private business and civil society organizations, to jointly take action to address the country’s alarming traffic accident rates.
The plan is based on extensive data analysis, identifying high-risk areas. At the same time, the government will invest in comprehensive road safety education programs, targeting both children and adults.
The plan proposes stricter enforcement of traffic laws, including the use of speed cameras and increased patrols, will be implemented. It contemplates that fines will be applied using a digital system as of June 2025. The government did not give details on the system. The government seeks support to implement a points-based license as of July 2025. Vehicle inspections are also contemplated.
The pact was signed by Milton Morrison (Intrant), Julio Brache (Association of Industries of the Dominican Republic (AIRD), David Llibre (National Tourism and Hotel Association – Asonahores), Miguel Jiménez (Movido RD), Antonio Marte (Conatra transport company) and Ángel Ovelio Ogando (Fenatrado truckers’ association).
Meanwhile, Intrant has signed an agreement with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency for assistance smart mobility.
Read more:
Presidency
Listin Diario
La Semanal 18 Noviembre 2024
Listin Diario
Diario Libre
DR1 News
19 November 2024