Dominican roads: a catastrophe on two wheels

The Dominican Republic is facing a dire road safety crisis as the provinces of La Altagracia and Santiago witness a sharp rise in motorcycle-related fatalities. Over the second half of 2025, these regions have been plagued by a series of devastating accidents, many of which have resulted in deaths and severe injuries. The root causes of these tragedies include reckless driving, illegal street racing, and a widespread neglect of basic safety measures, such as helmet use. Recent incidents underscore the gravity of the situation. On November 3, a late-night collision in La Otra Banda claimed the life of Felipe José Wade Salas and left 21-year-old Jhon Manuel Jiménez hospitalized. Earlier, in Higüey, 50-year-old Eduardo Antonio Lorenzo de los Santos died in a hit-and-run accident while riding without a helmet. The crisis is further exacerbated by a dangerous culture of illegal street racing. In Santiago, 16-year-old José David Montilla lost his life in October after crashing into a guardrail during a high-speed race. Similarly, in May, two young men, Luis Ángel Rodríguez Ramírez and Joandri Francisco, died during a clandestine race in Navarrete. Official statistics reveal the scale of the problem: La Altagracia recorded 3,144 traffic fatalities in 2024, with un-helmeted motorcyclists accounting for the majority. Authorities are now under increasing pressure to implement stricter traffic controls, enforce laws against illegal racing, and promote helmet use to prevent further loss of life.