DOMINGO CANELA

La Entrevista de la Semana con Domingo Canela

Introduction and Guest Welcome

• The segment begins with the host, Leandro, welcoming Domingo Canela, the Deputy Director of the National Institute of Transit and Land Transport in the Dominican Republic.

• Canela expresses gratitude for the invitation and mentions that his previous appearance on the show garnered attention from viewers abroad.

Discussion on Electric Scooters

• The conversation shifts to a current topic regarding electric scooters in San Francisco de Macorís, highlighting recent operations conducted by local authorities.

• There is confusion surrounding definitions: Are these vehicles scooters, electric bicycles, or motorcycles? Canela clarifies this semantic issue.

Legal Framework for Transportation

• Canela references Decree 256-20 issued by President Danilo Medina in 2020, which outlines regulations for various modes of transport including electric vehicles.

• According to Article 2 of this decree, any vehicle capable of exceeding 20 km/h is classified as a motorcycle regardless of its power source (combustion or electric).

Concerns Regarding Minors and Safety Regulations

• A significant concern arises about minors operating these vehicles; many are reported to be using them irresponsibly on public roads.

• Public ministries have expressed concerns over the legality of renting such vehicles to minors. Responsibility falls on rental companies if accidents occur involving underage riders.

Enforcement and Penalties

• Reports indicate an increase in injuries among children using these vehicles. Local governments are taking action due to rising hospital visits related to scooter accidents.

• Canela emphasizes that existing regulations already provide guidelines for enforcement; municipalities can impose fines based on established laws without needing new regulations from INTRÁN.

Responsibility of Parents for Minors Driving

Legal Accountability for Minors

• Parents are civilly responsible for any material damages caused by minors driving, regardless of whether the minor has a driver's license.

• To obtain a driver's license for a minor, parents must sign a notarized document accepting responsibility for any potential damages.

Usage of Electric Scooters and Bicycles

• There is an identified lack of responsibility among users of electric scooters and bicycles, particularly highlighted by videos showing minors performing stunts.

• The new penal code effective in August imposes preventive prison sentences on individuals using motor vehicles recklessly.

Regulations on Vehicle Use

• Electric motorcycles cannot circulate on sidewalks; they require designated lanes which are currently lacking in many areas.

• The infrastructure in the country was not designed to accommodate such vehicles due to various factors including climate conditions.

Speed Control and Legal Compliance

Speed Limitations

• While some electric motorcycles can reach speeds up to 50 km/h, legal speed limits dictate that drivers must adhere to city regulations ranging from 15 to 35 km/h based on urban conditions.

• Just because a vehicle can exceed the speed limit does not mean it should; compliance with legal speed restrictions is mandatory.

Identification and Registration Requirements

• Electric motorcycles should be registered with proper identification plates as part of legal requirements; this includes having a chassis number.

• Vehicles must have insurance coverage as mandated by law, even if they are only registered with their chassis numbers.

Proliferation of Electric Motorcycles

Urban Challenges

• Cities like San Francisco de Macorís and Santo Domingo have reported significant increases in electric motorcycle usage, prompting local authorities to address safety concerns.

• The issue extends beyond specific cities; all urban areas face challenges related to the rise in unregulated electric motorcycle use.

Electric Mobility and Road Safety Concerns

Overview of Electric Motorcycles and Safety Issues

• The discussion begins with the classification of electric motorcycles, which are often miscategorized as toys despite being dangerous projectiles that can cause harm.

• There is a growing trend of individual ownership of electric motorcycles, with prices as low as 23,000 pesos for models that can carry two people.

• These vehicles have a weight capacity designed for two individuals (up to 300 pounds), highlighting their practicality but also potential safety risks.

Advocacy for Electric Mobility and Road Regulations

• Authorities like Intrán support electric mobility initiatives, including electric buses and charging stations, emphasizing the importance of road safety alongside these advancements.

• A call for education on safe practices is made, particularly targeting private owners of electric scooters to ensure compliance with traffic laws.

Importance of Safety Gear and Manufacturer Responsibility

• A notable observation is made regarding the lack of use of safety gear provided with electric motorcycles; manufacturers include helmets and reflective vests in packaging, yet they remain unused by riders.

• The origin of these vehicles is primarily China and Korea, where regulations have been implemented due to rising accident rates associated with their use.

Regulatory Measures for Heavy Vehicles

• The conversation shifts to a resolution reaffirming the mandatory use of right lanes by heavy vehicle drivers to enhance road safety.

• This resolution builds upon previous guidelines from 2019 aimed at reducing accidents involving heavy vehicles on highways.

Educational Initiatives and Traffic Management

• Emphasizing the need for clear driving rules on highways, especially concerning heavy vehicles, is crucial in lowering accident rates.

• The resolution includes penalties for violations such as driving outside designated lanes while establishing speed limits (70 km/h during lane changes).

Observations from International Practices

• Comparisons are drawn with European countries where strict adherence to lane discipline among trucks has led to reduced accident rates.

Addressing Education Gaps in Road Safety

• The necessity for improved education around road safety is highlighted due to high fatality rates from traffic accidents each year.

Traffic Safety Measures and Regulations in the Dominican Republic

Collaboration Among Institutions

• The current efforts to enhance traffic law enforcement involve collaboration with various institutions, including the Ministry of Public Works and the General Directorate of Land Traffic and Transport.

• RDVAL OTORIS is actively supporting these initiatives, emphasizing that all stakeholders in interurban transit are working together to improve road safety.

• The resolution aims to strictly enforce regulations to reduce traffic accidents, particularly involving heavy vehicles.

Implementation of Inspections

• There is a focus on implementing operations for checking tire conditions and ensuring vehicles do not exceed weight limits, as overloaded trucks contribute significantly to accidents.

• The technical vehicle inspection mandated by Law 6317 is not being fully implemented due to insufficient state investment in necessary workshops and trained personnel.

• Despite this, the National Institute of Transit and Land Transport conducts inspections every six months to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Seasonal Safety Operations

• Special operations are conducted at year-end holidays when travel increases, focusing on public transport safety during peak times like Christmas and Holy Week.

• These operations aim to catch any non-compliant vehicles before major holiday travel periods.

Future Plans for Vehicle Inspection

• There is hope for a future agreement between the state or through public-private partnerships to implement comprehensive vehicle inspections as required by law.

• Continuous inspections are maintained for oversized loads; however, other factors can still lead to accidents even if loads are within legal limits.

Licensing System Updates

• All heavy cargo vehicles must be registered with INTRANT; those without registration face restrictions requiring special permits.

• A new driving license system will soon be launched that includes a points reduction feature as outlined in Law 63-17. This initiative aims to enhance security measures within the licensing process.