Fenatrado says it has “private oversight” to suspend truck drivers who break the law.

Santo Domingo, DR — The Dominican National Transport Federation (Fenatrado) announced that it is implementing internal “private supervision” to ensure that truck drivers affiliated with its unions comply with the prohibitions outlined in the country’s regulations.

This was stated last Thursday by Ricardo de los Santos, the president of the transport conglomerate, to Listín Diario, claiming that they have been developing strategies to raise awareness among their drivers for years.

“We have some vehicles, and when a truck driver (ours) speeds or uses the left lane, that driver is suspended from his union’s list because we work by list. He is suspended for a period of time, and corrective measures are taken as appropriate,” he stated.

De los Santos issued these statements in response to the journalistic work carried out by this media outlet, which highlighted how trucks are disregarding the limitations established in Regulation 258-20 for the Transportation of Cargo, promulgated in 2020 by former President Daniel Medina through a decree. 

During the tour, reporters observed drivers of these large vehicles using the left lane on George Washington, 27 de Febrero, and John F. Kennedy avenues, despite it being prohibited by law.

The union leader called for the elimination of the notion that “all trucks on the road are Fenatrado trucks.” Meanwhile, he reiterated the organization’s commitment to reducing traffic accidents through consistent compliance with the regulations mandated by law.

“We are strict about this; we fully agree that anyone who violates the law should be punished. The truth is, we can’t continue with this high traffic accident mortality rate on Dominican roads,” he said.

Prohibitions

Article 54 of the regulation above restricts the transit of heavy vehicles in the left lane of motorways and highways with more than one lane.

The exception will only apply when using it to “pass another vehicle traveling in the same direction, when preparing to turn left at an intersection, or when entering a private truck.” It also mandates that these vehicles must maintain a distance of at least 150 meters from the vehicle in front.

“On all urban public roads with more than two lanes in one direction, it shall be mandatory for all heavy vehicles to always travel on either of the two (2) adjacent lanes on the right, except when passing another vehicle driving in the same direction or when preparing to turn left at an intersection,” states number three.

Traffic accidents

According to reports from the General Directorate of Land Traffic Safety (Digesett), the country recorded approximately 517 deaths caused by road accidents during the First quarter of 2023, from April to June. According to the data, these deaths involved 384 motorcycles, 65 pedestrians, 34 cars, 12 jeeps, 10 pickup trucks, seven vans, two buses, two unspecified vehicles, and one dune buggy.

Trucks used to transport various goods and other commercial goods, along with passenger vehicles traveling within the country, are at the center of some of the most tragic highway accidents.