SANTO DOMINGO – In a comprehensive nationwide initiative to combat holiday-related fatalities, the Dominican Republic has activated an extensive Christmas security operation mobilizing over 48,000 personnel. The strategic deployment, orchestrated by the Emergency Operations Center (COE), establishes 1,301 fixed and mobile assistance stations strategically positioned across high-risk zones. This intervention specifically targets the reduction of traffic accidents—a predominant cause of mortality in the nation—along with alcohol poisoning incidents and food-related emergencies during the festive season.
The operational framework incorporates a substantial fleet of 250 ambulances, specialized vehicle rescue and extrication units, mobile automotive workshops, and pre-hospital care facilities. Enhancing emergency response capabilities, three helicopters have been deployed with support from first responders, medical professionals, police and military units, and trained volunteers. COE Director Juan Manuel Méndez García emphasized the necessity of public responsibility throughout the celebrations while announcing a subsequent operational phase from December 30, 2025, through January 1, 2026.
Complementary preventive measures include circulation restrictions imposed by Intrant (National Institute of Traffic and Land Transport) on heavy cargo vehicles during peak travel dates. The institution has intensified nationwide vehicle inspections, executing over 2,200 checks at major transport terminals. Simultaneously, Digesett (General Directorate of Traffic Safety and Land Transport) has reinforced road surveillance and implemented mandatory breathalyzer testing for intercity bus drivers.
To facilitate public mobility, OPRET (Office for the Reorganization of Transport) has published special holiday schedules for the Santo Domingo Metro and cable car systems. Concurrently, OMSA (Metropolitan Office of Bus Services) will adjust bus operating hours from December 23, 2025, to January 7, 2026, including modified services on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.