Road traffic safety in the Dominican Republic: basic driving rules

In the Dominican Republic, the classic rules of the road apply here. The main thing is to follow the signs and markings, but like in any other country, it has its own peculiarities of traffic on the road. The main feature can be called randomness: the rules seem to be there, but they are almost not followed.

Who are the main participants in this «Brownian» motion?

1. Average Dominicans. The driving style of many of them is free and quite aggressive: they do not pay attention to road signs, they can cut off, not give way or even drive along the center of the road, occupying both lanes.
2. Motorcyclists. The number of motorcycles and scooters in the Dominican Republic exceeds the number of cars at times. Driving a motorcycle here does not require a license, so many people do not know the rules of the road. More precisely, the category for driving two-wheeled vehicles is there as such. But if you meet a person with such a checkmark in his or her license, rush to the casino as fast as you can. Almost none of them wear a safety helmet. As a rule, motorcycles do not have side lights and side mirrors. You should be careful when opening the door of your car there may be a motorcyclist there.
3. Among the main «reckless drivers» are the drivers of fixed-route taxis and small buses, which the locals call «guagua». The drivers of this transport are always in a hurry, and therefore be have quite freely on the road.
4. Pedestrians are also very free in their actions: they cross anywhere, not at a pedestrian crossing, at a red light, at intersections, even on major highways.
5. Well, one more type of violaters are domestic animals. Goats, horses, pigs and cows often go out onto country roads, although sometimes they also walk along the streets of large cities.

The role of the traffic police in the Dominican Republic is performed by AMET (Autoridad Metropolitana de Transporte). AMET employees wear light green uniforms. It is worth stopping and getting out of the car only at their request. Most often, the police stop the car to check documents. In a rented car, you can find the entire package of documents in the glove compartment. These documents must be accompanied by a license and a passport. An arrival stamp is checked in the passport to clarify the terms of stay in the country.

And of course, the traffic police can stop the car in order to impose a fine to the driver. The fine is paid later at the bank, the police are not allowed to take cash.

Top 4 reasons for imposing a fine on the Dominican road:

1. Seat belts not fastened. Despite the general disparaging for road rules, almost everyone here is wearing their seat belts. This is a mandatory point. Failure to comply with it is most often fined.
2. Talking on the phone while driving. The driver is not allowed to talk on the phone while driving.
3. Exceeding the speed limit. It is easy to get a fine for this on the Dominican road — there are excellent tracks, the speed is simply not felt.
4. Alcoholic intoxication. In the Dominican Republic there is a fairly loyal attitude towards the consume of alcohol by the driver, but still it is worth knowing when to stop, and it is better not to drink at all. Indeed, on a road with such a chaotic and unusual traffic as in the Dominican Republic, the speed of reaction can play a decisive role in a stalemate.

And where in a tourist country without clever crooks? Scammers ride on the Dominican roads and tourists are often their victims. You should not carry valuable things with you, and even more so leave them in a parked car, and it is better not to show a purse with money — it will be more convenient to put aside a small amount of cash and use it.

The result is a sketch for the film «Horror on the Roads of the Dominican Republic» :) In fact, this is just a message to be careful and accurate on the way. After all, the road in such a beautiful country as the Dominican Republic should not be a source of troubles. The road is a way to longawaited adventures and high emotions!