Bill introduced to make road safety education mandatory in schools and universities

Santo Domingo.– With the purpose of contributing to the reduction of traffic accidents and strengthening the road safety culture in the country, a bill was presented that seeks to mandatorily establish the subject of Comprehensive Road Education at the secondary and university levels of the Dominican educational system.

The initiative arises in response to the high incidence of traffic accidents in Dominican Republic, a problem that continues to be one of the main causes of deaths, injuries, and disability in the population. The project proposes that education is the most effective tool to promote behavioral changes, generate civic awareness, and foster values of respect, discipline, and responsibility in the use of public roads. Among its foundations, the proposal highlights that the Constitution of the Republic establishes as an essential duty of the State to guarantee the protection of the life, safety, and well-being of citizens, which is why it considers it necessary to promote educational policies aimed at the prevention of accidents and the preservation of the physical integrity of the population.

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Furthermore, it is pointed out that the problem of transit has evolved into a public health and citizen security challenge that impacts thousands of Dominican families daily. Factors such as speeding, reckless driving, non-compliance with traffic regulations, and alcohol consumption while driving are among the main causes of accidents. The legislative proposal argues that the sustainable reduction of traffic accidents cannot be achieved solely through sanctions or coercive measures, but rather through permanent educational processes that form citizens aware of their responsibilities on public roads. If approved, the law would incorporate Comprehensive Road Education as a mandatory subject in secondary education centers and universities, including content related to road safety, accident prevention, civic coexistence, social responsibility, and respect for traffic regulations.

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The initiative has been positively valued by various sectors, who believe that road safety education from the classroom could significantly contribute to the construction of a safer and more responsible mobility culture in the Dominican Republic. The project promoters understand that preventive education is one of the most effective strategies to reduce accident rates and protect the lives of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians throughout the national territory.