New Jersey has about the same population as the DR. Jersey averages 450 traffic fatalities per year while the DR averages 1400. AND there are a lot less vehicles in the DR. about 125 per 1,000 people compared to 750 per 1,000 people in New Jersey. I have added the notes in red below.
Road deaths "twice regional average" (This is where the Guardian Angels come in)
According to statistics presented by the Ground Transport Department (DGTT) and the National Statistics Office (ONE), 7,042 people were killed in traffic accidents between 2004 and 2008 in the DR.
The road accident mortality rate is a serious concern for the DR especially when one considers that this figure is twice the regional average, according to the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO). PAHO registers the average regional road accident death rate at 16.9 per 100,000 while the DR has one of 30.4 per 100,000.
The numbers have been on the rise since 2004 when 1,370 people were killed. In 2005 1,367 people were killed while 1,602 were killed in 2006 and 1,747 in 2007. The year 2008 saw 956 people killed on the roads, but statistics only run up to June.
Santo Domingo and the National District are the worst when it comes to reckless driving, with 91,275 registered accidents and 1,860 deaths, while the provinces of San Cristobal, La Altagracia and Santiago followed suit with 548, 397 and 366 deaths, respectively.
The Autopista Duarte (This is the route we take to go to Santiago on mailday) was the scene of the greatest number of accidents, with the Las Americas Highway (This is the route from where we live to get to the airport and Santo Domingo)coming in second and Autopista 6 de Noviembre in third place. According to reports, 90% of accidents are caused by reckless driving and 30% of accidents are caused by drivers between the ages of 14 and 30.
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So yesterday we went to Santiago for Mail Day. On the way back we stopped as usual at Jacaranda (pronounced Hacaranda). It's a big rest stop with 4 little restaurants strung along together, 3 gift shops and restrooms in one open-air building! (On the above mentioned Autopista Duarte)
As we pulled up, I noticed these 3 guys standing on the edge of the covered seating area. They were US Marines. Quite obvious from the regulation white t-shirts, royal blue pants with red side stripe, khaki web belt, and the shiniest black shoes ever! There were two more in one of the gift shops.
After we got our cafe con leche, we were exiting and I told Bob we should say Hi to the Marines.
Next thing I know, he's walking up to them with his right hand outstretched to shake hands, saying: "Hello! I'm Bob Nilsen, this is my wife Anna. We're missionaries here with SCORE International. How you guys doing?"
They were so friendly, shook our hands, introduced themselves, (first names only). They are with the Security Detail out of the US Embassy in Santo Domingo. The one guy said they were just back from a gig in Santiago (His word!) (They passed us later on the road in two SUVs with very dark windows - we never saw who they were guarding)
They asked where we lived, what we did, etc. They were familiar with Juan Dolio (beaches and golf course). Bob told him where SCORE was located, and invited them to stop in when they're in town next time.
After we all say goodbye Bob & I proceed to get in our Terrios. The one guy came across the parking lot at a brisk walk, while Bob put the window down. He introduced himself as the Detachment Commander and handed Bob a medallion as he says: "Here, I would like for you to have this. There aren't many of these floating around down here. Good meeting you." and walked away.
This side is the map of the DR imposed upon the DR flag. In the center is the same emblem that is in the center of the flag. Around the outer edge it states: MSG Detachment Santo Domingo, La Primera Ciudad del Mundo Nuevo (The first city of the New World)
After we got our cafe con leche, we were exiting and I told Bob we should say Hi to the Marines.
Next thing I know, he's walking up to them with his right hand outstretched to shake hands, saying: "Hello! I'm Bob Nilsen, this is my wife Anna. We're missionaries here with SCORE International. How you guys doing?"
They were so friendly, shook our hands, introduced themselves, (first names only). They are with the Security Detail out of the US Embassy in Santo Domingo. The one guy said they were just back from a gig in Santiago (His word!) (They passed us later on the road in two SUVs with very dark windows - we never saw who they were guarding)
They asked where we lived, what we did, etc. They were familiar with Juan Dolio (beaches and golf course). Bob told him where SCORE was located, and invited them to stop in when they're in town next time.
After we all say goodbye Bob & I proceed to get in our Terrios. The one guy came across the parking lot at a brisk walk, while Bob put the window down. He introduced himself as the Detachment Commander and handed Bob a medallion as he says: "Here, I would like for you to have this. There aren't many of these floating around down here. Good meeting you." and walked away.
This side is the map of the DR imposed upon the DR flag. In the center is the same emblem that is in the center of the flag. Around the outer edge it states: MSG Detachment Santo Domingo, La Primera Ciudad del Mundo Nuevo (The first city of the New World)
Of course, the other side is the US Marine Corps logo.
How cool is this!
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The fun we have down here!
aw, what a great story! now if they just stop in and see you some day, you'll have another great story!
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