Statistics show that about 80 crashes occur each day in the DR, making it especially important for drivers to be always on the defensive. From January to May, the Police Transit Department lists 6,954 accidents. Most occur in Santo Domingo, Santiago, San Pedro de Macoris and Puerto Plata. Fundacion Maricely Estrella says that around 2,000 people die a year in traffic accidents, and another 3,000 suffer permanent injuries. Principal causes of the accidents are drunk driving, lack of street signs, imprudent racing and the improper use of express lanes. The Ministry of Education announced high school students will receive driver education at school starting this year. Furthermore, the Ministry of Public Works and Santo Domingo city government authorities are implementing major plans to place sign posts on streets and highways.
