SANTO DOMINGO – A massive nationwide safety initiative has been activated across the Dominican Republic as authorities implement the second phase of “Awareness for Life: Christmas and New Year 2025–2026.” Beginning Tuesday at 2:00 PM, the comprehensive operation mobilizes over 48,000 volunteers alongside multiple government agencies under the coordination of the Emergency Operations Center (COE).
The preventive campaign will maintain continuous deployment until 6:00 AM on January 1, 2026, focusing on road safety and major public gathering points throughout the country. COE Director Juan Manuel Méndez issued a compelling appeal for public cooperation with safety protocols, setting an ambitious target of zero fatalities during the New Year celebrations.
Méndez highlighted the demonstrated success of the operation’s first phase during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, which achieved substantial reductions in several critical metrics. Preliminary data indicates markedly lower rates of minor alcohol intoxication, traffic accidents, and fatalities compared to the same period in 2024. The current phase aims to build on this progress by further minimizing preventable incidents.
The operation features an extensive network of emergency resources, including 1,301 fixed and mobile assistance stations, 250 ambulances, specialized rescue and extrication teams, mobile workshops, and pre-hospital care centers. Air support is provided through three helicopter units enhancing response capabilities.
Concurrently, the National Institute of Traffic and Land Transport (INTRANT) has implemented strict regulations for heavy cargo vehicles through January 2, 2026. These measures mandate special permits and restrict circulation lanes as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce traffic risks during this high-volume holiday period.