Driving a car in DR

Maps · #1 01-06-2003, 01:21 PM

I would like to have some information about renting a car and driving through DR. Lonely Planet says it's dangerous and you shouldn't do it. Especially, they say, because you can and up in jail for a long time if you're in an accident as a foreigner, waiting for your case. And because you're a foreigner, they will always found you guilty. Is all this true? Did this ever happen as far as anybody knows? Or are these just stories? Thanks.

Paul Thate · #2 01-06-2003, 01:41 PM

yes as a foreigner you are always guilty.there are enough anecdotal cases to prove that
but I believe you only go to jail if there is a death involved.

But be carefull expect the unexpected always.If you think nobody will be this stupid the driver in front of you will do excactly that.

By all means rent a car and explore the island
It will be unforgetable

sjh · #3 01-06-2003, 01:46 PM

My recommendation is to never drive at night (high accident risk from drunks, road hazzards, loose animals etc...), and dont drive in the larger cities unless you are used to very aggressive driving and chaos.

see the archives for more info

Ken · #4 01-06-2003, 02:37 PM

If you rent, be certain to do some from a reputable company so that you have insurance and support in case of a problem.

There is a lot in the archives on driving in the DR. It is not like the US, Canada or Europe. You need to be alert at all times, even during the day when you will see speeding, drunk drivers, and drivers that treat a two-lane highway as though it had 3 lanes.

DRtechie · #5 01-06-2003, 05:17 PM

I only started driving in the DR a year ago and within a few days I had already hit a motoconcho on the road to Bani and ran over a pasola in Santo Domingo. In both cases I was lucky to be with my cousin who's a lawyer and has a hell of a lot more experience dealing with those types of situations. I was able to walk away from one and paying up for the other...even though it was clearly the morons fault.

My advice: If you do decide to rent a vehicle go for a jeep...gives you a little more security. Also be aware of the road at all times and as drivers are VERY unpredictable. If you do get into an accident try to solve it quickly before the police get involved...as long as it's not serious. If you're going to be in Santo Domingo use taxis instead. Traffic was unbelievable when I was last there in Sept and I hear it's only gotten worst. Best of Luck.

Tony C · #6 01-07-2003, 12:20 AM

There are 2 types of people who sit behind the wheel of a car. "Drivers" and "Operators"!!!
If you are a "Driver" like me then you look forward to driving in the DR with excitment. The Slashing and cutting is invigorating!
If you are a "operator" Like Ken, I suggest you take a crowded, stinky bus!

mondongo · #7 01-07-2003, 01:31 AM

The key do driving in the DR is to always pay attention to the driving. Expect other drivers to drive on the wrong side of the road. Do not play chicken with these nuts. If you are a passive, easily startled driver, then you might be in trouble.

I have driven in lots of big US cities...NYC,CHI,LA,MIA,SF,etc.... Boston is the worst for erratic drivers....but it is no match for the DR.

Do not be lulled into a sense of security when driving in "out of the wat places". These are actually worse since the road conditions and lighting are sub-standard.

rita · #8 01-07-2003, 10:20 PM

hey maps,
you sound like a sexy lady, who likes to have fun ;P well I say go for the DR, with a name like maps...I'm sure you won't get lost, and you'll probably have the best time of your life ;P
ciao,
rita

Maps · #9 01-08-2003, 09:23 AM

Hey Rita,
to be quite honest I get lost wherever I go, that's why I need tuns of maps all the time and that's how I got my name. But... I can't read them and drive the DR at the same time, I wouldn't come out alive I think. So are you interested in joining me?
Maps

Dolores · #10 01-08-2003, 09:34 AM

Having seen many countries by bus & train and then by car, I can only recommend that the personal experience is much superior when you rent a car. Take the advice volunteered above -- always be on the alert (yes, the country is full of one-way streets with people driving the wrong way!). You need to be on the defensive always.

Also, ask, ask and ask. Even if you have a good map, ask and ask. I have yet to have a DR map that has all the right towns on it. Every time you get to a place, ask to make sure you are in the right place. People are friendly. If you are lost, you can always hire a motoconcho/taxi to drive in front of you and put you on the right track.

Do not rent a car to drive in Santo Domingo, though. Too complicated with all the one way streets.

And yes, rent from a reputable company like DR1 sponsor, National (http://www.dr1.com/national) and purchase all the insurance they have available, and you will be fine.

By the way, in all my travels I have taken this same advice and purchased all the insurance available.