It is no big news that motorcyclists are involved in nearly 80% of all traffic accidents in the Dominican Republic. Now, the National Statistics Office (ONE) has published a report on the traffic violations motorcycle drivers are committing.
According to ONE, driving the wrong way (against traffic), going through the tunnels or using the overpasses, and driving a motorcycle without a helmet are the major traffic violations reported by Intrant.
Another big issue is jumping the traffic signals at red lights. Of course, speeding and driving without a license are among the other issues presented in the report.
Over 60% of the traffic violations affect the safety of the motorcycle driver or his passenger or other persons.
One of the saddest numbers published by the ONE is the fact that 68.8% of all fatalities are related to motorcycles.
An interesting number and perhaps a good safety reminder is the fact that over half of all accidents happen on Sundays, and 40% happen on highways.
As a curiosity, Monday is the worst weekday and Wednesday is the day when the least number of accidents occur.
In a related article, beginning next year, the government will require a refresher course or safe driving to renew the license to drive any motor vehicle. This course will be given by the National Institute of Professional Technical Training (Infotep) as stated by Infotep director Rafael Santos Badia. While all of the details are not yet clear, nor has the general public been made aware of this new requirement, it seems that the Infotep is preparing to offer the course online via Whatsapp.
To add to the difficulty of resolving all of the issues surrounding our terrible state of traffic in the Dominican Republic, there are at least 11 different institutions of political entities involved in handling transportation safety and traffic. Among these are the Intrant (the National Institute for Transportation and Traffic), the Digesett (Transportation Safety Agency) and the Presidential Office for the Reorganization of Transportation (Opret).
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Listin Diario
El Caribe
Diario Libre
2 December 2024