Motorcyclists Account for Up to 80% of Traffic Deaths in the Dominican Republic

Motorcycles dominate the country’s traffic safety challenge

Motorcyclists account for the largest share of traffic deaths in the Dominican Republic, according to figures cited by Digesett spokesperson Rafael Tejeda Baldera during a seminar on the causes and consequences of road fatalities.

Tejeda Baldera delivered his remarks at the event, titled “Causes and Effects of Deaths from Traffic Accidents,” organized by the National Central of Unified Transporters (CNTU). His presentation focused on the factors behind road crashes and the shared responsibility of drivers, vehicle owners and public authorities in improving safety.

The figures cited by the official underscore the scale of the challenge facing a country where motorcycles are widely used for commuting and other daily transportation needs. Because motorcyclists have less physical protection than occupants of cars, a collision can result in particularly serious injuries.

Driver behavior remains a central concern

Tejeda Baldera identified three main elements that influence road safety: the driver, the vehicle and road infrastructure. He emphasized that a driver’s physical and emotional condition can affect judgment and reaction times, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fatigue, exhaustion, stress and drowsiness were among the risks he highlighted. He also warned against using mobile phones while driving, speeding, reckless behavior and operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Certain medications can also impair a person’s ability to drive safely.

These risks are especially significant for motorcyclists, who can be exposed to severe injuries even in collisions that might offer greater protection to occupants of enclosed vehicles. Safe driving practices, attention to traffic conditions and compliance with speed limits are important elements of accident prevention. Drivers and visitors should also familiarize themselves with the driving rules in the Dominican Republic, including applicable traffic regulations and road safety requirements.

Vehicle maintenance and road conditions also matter

The Digesett spokesperson identified inadequate vehicle maintenance as another factor that can contribute to traffic accidents. He urged drivers to take responsibility for checking their vehicles rather than waiting for authorities to identify mechanical problems.

He specifically mentioned tires, lights, windshields and other vehicle components, as well as engine fluids. Regular checks can help identify defects before they create dangerous conditions on the road.

Road infrastructure is the third element in his assessment. Poor lighting, deteriorated pavement, rain and fog can make driving more hazardous, particularly when visibility is reduced or road surfaces become slippery.

These factors can interact. A poorly maintained vehicle or an inattentive driver may face greater risks on a damaged or inadequately lit road, reinforcing the importance of preventive action by motorists and the institutions responsible for road infrastructure.

Digesett official attributes 96% of accident responsibility to human factors

During the seminar, Tejeda Baldera said the human factor accounts for 96% of responsibility for traffic accidents. He argued that drivers must adapt their behavior to vehicle conditions and the surrounding road environment.

The figure was presented as part of his remarks at the event. The information available from the seminar did not include a detailed methodology or statistical breakdown supporting the percentage, so it should be understood as a figure attributed to the official rather than an independently verified estimate.

His broader message was that road safety cannot depend exclusively on inspections or enforcement. Drivers also need to recognize mechanical problems, avoid risky behavior and adjust to adverse conditions.

Road crashes create a wider public cost

Tejeda Baldera also highlighted the economic and public health consequences of traffic accidents, noting that their effects extend beyond deaths and injuries.

Fatal crashes and serious injuries can place additional demands on emergency services and healthcare facilities while affecting families, workers and the wider economy. Preventing crashes therefore has implications for public safety and the use of public resources.

The World Health Organization provides additional context through its Dominican Republic road safety country profile, which presents indicators used to assess progress in reducing traffic deaths and injuries.

Tejeda Baldera called for greater individual and collective responsibility, arguing that traffic, mobility and road safety should be treated as shared concerns rather than issues left solely to government institutions.

Reducing fatalities, particularly among motorcyclists, will require sustained attention to driver behavior, vehicle condition and road infrastructure, alongside effective enforcement and preventive measures.