Dominican Republic holiday operation aims to avert road carnage

Santo Domingo.- Public Works minister GonzaloCastillo on Monday launched "ChristmasRoad Protection and Assistance Operation 2016," with 2,800 first respondersand 320 vehicles to help motorists.

The yearly holiday operation aims to avert DominicanRepublic’s road carnage from fatalities in traffic accidents, which some agencies rank at the top worldwide.

The official, who said the operation will lastuntil January 16 on all major thoroughfares nationwide, handed the keys to35new vehicles to the Military and Police Commission that will join theoperation, which will cost around RD$45 million.

The vehicles will conduct road patrols, assistmotorists with minor auto repairs and fix flat tires.

They include fully equipped ambulances withmedical personnel, tow trucks and motorcycles.

"Any assistance needed by a Dominican ora foreign visitor, they should just call 829-688-1000, to receive roadsideassistance with all the services mentioned," the official said in a pressconference held at Quisqueya Stadium.