Motorcyclists are said to be involved in 80% of traffic accidents in the Dominican Republic. The National Institute of Transit and Land Transport (Intrant) on 22 January 2025 kicked off a series of workshops yesterday aimed at establishing a standardized approach to helmet safety and reducing the high number of traffic fatalities.
The initiative is part of the National Road Safety Plan 2025-2030 and is designed to address the alarming rate of road accidents in the country.
The opening ceremony was attended by key figures in the transportation and safety sectors, including Andiel Galván Abreu, director of Road Safety at Intrant; Aggie Krasnolucka, director of Programs at the FIA Foundation; Álvaro Oliver, president of the Dominican Automobile Club; and Miguelina Méndez, coordinator of the Mapfre Foundation. Mapfre is a major local insurance company that backs the effort to get motorcyclists to wear a helmet
Participants in the initiative include the Digesett (Highway Patrol), Civil Defense, the Public Ministry (Attorney General Office), the National Emergency and Security System 911, and the National Federation of Motorcycle Taxis (Fenamoto).
International experts from the International Automobile Federation (FIA) Foundation led the workshops, sharing their knowledge on accident investigation and motorcycle safety. Bella Dinh-Zarr, an expert in road accident investigation, emphasized the importance of understanding the human factors, road conditions, and vehicle factors that contribute to crashes. She highlighted the complex nature of road safety and the need for a comprehensive approach.
Terry Smith, an expert in motorcycle safety and helmets, discussed the importance of conducting in-depth investigations into motorcycle accidents. He outlined a methodology for identifying high-risk groups, developing targeted interventions, and creating a database for international comparisons.
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Listin Diario
23 January 2025