Dominican Republic: Rent-A-Car
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NOTE: In this article, we rely on the official reports of: ITF-OECD (International Transport Forum), WHO (World Health Organization) - Global Status Reports on Road Safety, Government of Canada, Government of UK, USA State Department, Oficina Nacional de Estadística (ONE), Procuraduría General de la República Dominicana and other international reports.
Rent-a-Car in the Dominican Republic: To Be or Not to Be? That is?the question.
We believe that instead of answering yes or no, everyone must peruse the facts and thereby fashion their own determination.
However, if you are seeking our recommendation, we advise caution when it comes to renting a car in the Dominican Republic. It's important to note that this recommendation is not due to any inherent aggression among Dominicans; quite the opposite, as they are known for their kindness, often surpassing that found in other countries. So why do we suggest avoiding car rentals?
Let's delve into the situation step by step, relying on reports, numbers and factual information. This approach will equip you and your clients with the necessary knowledge to make an informed decision. In this article, we will briefly address the following questions:
By examining these aspects, you and your clients will gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation, enabling you to make an educated and smart choice regarding car rentals in the Dominican Republic.
So, let's start!
How easy is it to rent a car in the Dominican Republic?
Renting a car in the Dominican Republic is easy, with several international car hire companies available in major cities and airports. Visitors can drive using their regular driving license for stays up to two months.
What are the recommended rent-a-car services in the country?
When it comes to renting a car in the Dominican Republic, we advise clients to choose reputable international companies like Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Alamo, Enterprise, and others. It is important to prioritize full insurance coverage to ensure a regulated and secure experience. While these options may be slightly more expensive, they often lead to greater client satisfaction due to the adherence to international standards and regulations.
Is there traffic violence in the Dominican Republic?
In 2022, the Dominican Republic recorded 56 cases of traffic violence, as reported by the Oficina Nacional de Estadística (ONE) and the Procuraduría General de la República Dominicana. Traffic violence refers to incidents involving aggressive, rude, or intolerant behaviour among drivers. This number indicates a notably low occurrence in the country.
Based on our own experience, we can affirm this observation. Dominicans are known for their positive and friendly attitude. During my ten years of driving in the Dominican Republic, the most prevalent form of "aggression" on the roads was drivers excessively using their car signals.
Thus, in this regard, the Dominican Republic demonstrates favourable conditions for driving.
Is it safe to drive in the Dominican Republic?
As this is the main topic of our discussion, let's use fewer words and concentrate our attention on numbers and reports.
Based on the World Health Organization report, we have compiled some numbers. It is evident that in the Dominican Republic, the road accident fatality rate is relatively high, with 41 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. In comparison, Canada has a rate of 5.8, the United States has 12.9, and the United Kingdom has 2.9.
Now, let's explore the reasons behind this alarmingly high fatality rate on Dominican roads. Several factors contribute to this situation:
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To gain a deeper understanding of the gravity of the situation, we encourage you to visit a page on Instagram where authors are dedicated to documenting accidents daily. Their aim is to educate the population and drivers, and the results of their efforts are evident. However, we advise viewer discretion as the page contains graphic images and videos. Despite the unsettling nature of the content, we highly recommend reviewing it to witness the stark reality. It is far better to observe such situations on Instagram than to experience them firsthand.
Due to the factors mentioned and others, the World Health Organization has classified the Dominican Republic as one of the most dangerous countries for driving. To illustrate this, below you can see a visualized map that showcases the level of dangerousness in different regions. It serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by drivers in the Dominican Republic.
As a result of the safety concerns and high fatality rates on Dominican Republic roads, governments of several countries, including Canada, the UK, and the USA, strongly advise against renting a car in the country.
As locals, we can confirm that the below mentioned warnings are based on reality and are not exaggerated.
The Dominican Republic has one of the highest road accident rates in the world.
Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country. Although major highways connecting cities and tourist areas are generally in good condition, most secondary roads, are poorly maintained and poorly lit. Marked lanes are lacking. There are vehicles travelling in the wrong direction. Traffic is congested due to the significant number of trucks and motorcycles. Pedestrians don’t have the right of way, even at traffic lights.
Drivers don’t respect traffic laws. They often drive at excessive speeds, and are extremely aggressive and reckless. Drinking and driving is prevalent. Many vehicles are in poor condition and don’t have working headlights or mirrors.
The Dominican Republic has one of the highest death rates in the world for road traffic accidents. Road accidents are frequent, especially during holiday periods like Christmas and Easter. Drivers often do not respect traffic laws, weave from lane to lane and rarely signal. Many vehicles are in a state of disrepair and don’t have working headlights or mirrors. Drink driving is common. The quality of roads vary, although the motorways connecting cities and tourist areas are good.
Road Conditions and Safety:?Driving conditions vary across the country. Drive defensively and with extreme caution.
Consider hiring a professional driver instead of driving yourself. You can hire licensed drivers who are familiar with local roads through local car rental agencies. In case of accidents, normally only the driver will be taken into custody. In 2019 six people died per day due to traffic accidents in the Dominican Republic.
Frequent hazards include:
Traffic Laws:?Traffic laws are not enforced consistently. After an accident causing serious injury or death, authorities will often take the driver into custody, even if the driver is insured and appears to have not been at fault. Detentions frequently last until a judicial decision has been reached or until a waiver has been signed by the injured party.
Seat belts, and helmets for motorcyclists, are required by law. Violators may be fined. There are no child car seat laws. Police stop drivers using cell phones without a hands-free device.
We believe that with the facts and information presented, we have gained a comprehensive understanding of the rent-a-car situation in the Dominican Republic. In conclusion, Dominicans are extremely nice, friendly and positive people, but driving in this beautiful island is a kind of extreme.
By being aware of the potential challenges and taking necessary precautions, you and your customers are now better equipped to navigate the roads with confidence. We wish all of us safe travels and unforgettable experiences in the Dominican Republic.
Text by Artur Khachatryan