There is a national epidemic of traffic accidents
The Catholic weekly, “Camino” says the traffic accident rate is “a national epidemic.” The more than 3,000 traffic fatalities each year (and growing) constitute one of the worst records in the world per 100,000 population. In Sunday’s editorial, the Archbishop of Santiago Freddy Breton makes the point that “people leave without saying good-bye.”
In 2017 more than 97,000 persons were injured in traffic accidents. The number places the Dominican Republic in the unenviable position of #2 among all of the 192 nations in the world.
The number one spot belongs to Niue, a tiny 260 km2 coral island in the Marshall Islands with a population of 1,624. Even one traffic fatality would skyrocket their standing in the world list. It is 186 times smaller than the Dominican Republic and has 6,500 times fewer people.
By any reasonable measure, the DR ranks first in the “Worst Traffic Deaths” around the world. The real number is 93.7 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, while countries like Switzerland, Germany, France, Spain and Canada have less than seven fatalities per 100,000 inhabitants.
The Archbishop cites the lack of respect for traffic laws, especially those regarding red lights. (Note: This reporter witnessed the results of a four car accident at the intersection of Bartolome Colon and Estrella Sadhala in Santiago last night!!).
The fact that this is maybe the only country in the world where there are drive-thru windows for cold beers is most certainly a major contributing factor. Technology is also a culprit, with texting and chatting while driving a vehicle is known to be on a par with driving while intoxicated. The final note by the magazine’s editors calls for a massive driver education campaign through every available media outlet.
In 2017, the country passed a new driving law creating the National Transit and Ground Transport Institute (Intrant). The Intrant, nevertheless has been slow in passing rulings and implementing the law.
Source: DR1, Elcaribe
July 25, 2019
Category: DR News |