Is it safe to travel by car?

[fonsecazelia]

Thank You all for the advice

[London_Calling]

If you do decide to drive avoid big cities if you can. The good thing regarding the route from Punta Cana to Samana is that you can now avoid going into the Santo Domingo to get to Samana. The new Samana toll road starts about 5km after the airport (towards Santo Domingo) - not many maps show the new road.

[Vintage]

driving isnt exactly safe
but if you dont mind people pulling out from every angle,speeding,failing to yield etc....

be careful i drive a bus here in toronto but i would never attempt to drive in santo domingo
small towns are better to drive

[Sanation]

I arrived in the DR 6 months ago from Australia. I came here last year on a 'fact finding mission' and vowed then that I would never drive...

On arrival, I decided to give driving a go. I was pleasantly surprised as to how easy it was! I drive daily in Santo Domingo and have driven to the north coast from the capital (via Moca) on several occassions. I have also driven to Constanza which is not to be attempted by the faint hearted (!) and out to Juan Dolio. I am planning to drive to Samana in the not too distant future.

Coming from Australia, I had to learn to drive a left-hand drive car AND drive on the 'wrong side of the road'!... Oh, and I am a woman and we all know what they say about women drivers!!!!

If you are a confident driver, you won't have a problem. Take note of all the advice given as it is extremely relevant. Many of the roads are in extremely poor conditions so you must take this into consideration. The drivers on the roads are inconsiderate, speed and do stupid things. I never cease to be amazed!

Have fun and ENJOY!

[wewet4185796]

nike shoes , jordan shoes which is better?

[mariaobetsanov]

Dominican drive like don't care for their safty. take the advice on the post obove, you can have a nerve-atack and get the shakes like a shell shoock soldier, most moped and motor cycle have not even seen a drivers manual. Enjoy the ride do'nt drive if you want to stay safe.

[Celt202]

I drive everywhere in Santo Domingo. The flow of traffic has its own rhythm that it took me awhile to get used to. Many drivers have no respect for any rules but AMET has increased the pressure over the last few years so there are consequences for violators who get caught.

If you drive be aware that there is always the potential for someone else to do something colossally stupid.

If you are a confident driver you can swim in this pond without getting "shell shoock".

[acmike]

I can personally attest to Celt's driving savy as I had ridden shotgun in his dentless vehicle. He does a good job behind the wheel. He is a defensive driver and signals others frequently with his middle finger to remind them to obey the traffic laws.

[Celt202]

Originally Posted by acmike

I can personally attest to Celt's driving savy as I had ridden shotgun in his dentless vehicle. He does a good job behind the wheel. He is a defensive driver and signals others frequently with his middle finger to remind them to obey the traffic laws.

I'm merely waving to all the happy go lucky people who inhabit this sun swept paradise who express their zest for life in their driving. Many drivers express their exuberance with their horns. What a country!

I occasionally greet some drivers in Boston Irish dialect. It's all in good fun and in the interest of international good will.

Driving in Santo Domingo traffic is not for everybody but I find the chaos has an odd charm. There's an aggression and competition that adheres to what I call "la Ley de Tigueraje" yet there are definitely unwritten rules of the road that can be understood over time.

[laurapasinifan]

Originally Posted by Celt202

I'm merely waving to all the happy go lucky people who inhabit this sun swept paradise who express their zest for life in their driving. Many drivers express their exuberance with their horns. What a country!

I occasionally greet some drivers in Boston Irish dialect. It's all in good fun and in the interest of international good will.

Driving in Santo Domingo traffic is not for everybody but I find the chaos has an odd charm. There's an aggression and competition that adheres to what I call "la Ley de Tigueraje" yet there are definitely unwritten rules of the road that can be understood over time.

driving in SD has gotten twice as good as it was 2 years ago when I went though twice....... I drove around the city for 2 days( not lost) 2 weeks ago.....much much better....

bad bad bob