The Dominican Republic has one of the highest road traffic fatality rates globally, with 27.4 deaths per 100,000 people. This places the country 12th worldwide and the highest in the region[1]. Training ENEVIAL’s instructors is a key step in building the institution’s capacity to independently implement and sustain the Autosobriety Training Programme.

In his keynote address, Minister Deligne Ascención, Coordinator of the Transport and Urban Mobility Cabinet, underscored the critical need to continue advancing preventive measures to reduce traffic accidents.

"Drunk driving remains one of the main causes of road accidents in our country. This initiative supports the goals of the National Road Safety Pact and reinforces our commitment to reducing traffic-related deaths and injuries by at least 50% by 2030. Ultimately, it’s about saving lives and fostering a more responsible and safety-conscious road culture," stated Minister Ascención.
 

Engineer Milton Morrison, Executive Director of INTRANT, reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to prevention, emphasizing the importance of initiatives like the Autosobriety programme. 

“At INTRANT, we remain committed to prevention by supporting programmes such as Autosobriety, which promote education, training, and collective action,” Morrison said.

Víctor D’Aza, President of the LMD, highlighted the initiative as a key component of a broader strategy to improve road safety across the country. He also emphasized the pivotal role that local governments play in advancing road safety and creating meaningful change at the community level.

Rafael Santos, Executive Director of CIFAL Dominican Republic, added: “Training, education, and awareness are fundamental to improving road safety, and CIFAL Dominican Republic plays a vital role in driving these efforts.”

Key topics discussed included the importance of road safety education, the role of the media in raising awareness, and strengthening institutional capacities in traffic safety. Experts from Mexico and Ecuador shared valuable insights from their efforts to improve road safety in their respective regions.

Mr. Juan Ernesto Zapata Silva, former Director General of ECU 911 in Ecuador, spoke about the origins of the national campaign “Blue Hearts: No More Lost Hearts on the Roads.” Built on three key pillars—Training, Awareness, and Enforcement—the campaign highlights the critical importance of collaboration among authorities, citizens, and the media in reducing traffic-related fatalities.

Mr. Sergio Omar Muñoz Torres, former Traffic Director in Arandas, Mexico, stressed that lasting change requires greater civic engagement and a stronger sense of shared responsibility. He also emphasized that laws and regulations must be enforced consistently and without exceptions, building public trust and credibility within communities.

[1] Global status report on road safety 2023 (WHO)
 

The Autosobriety Training Programme, including modules on legislation, alcohol’s physiological effects, and prevention strategies, aims to build long-term institutional capacity and promote a culture of responsibility and sobriety on the roads.

"The Autosobriety Training Programme is dedicated to educating drivers on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and serves as a call to action. These vital efforts must be supported by legal frameworks and prevention strategies that empower users to make safer decisions," said Estrella Merlos, Senior Policy Specialist and Global Head of Road Safety at UNITAR.

The awarding of certificates to ToT participants marked a key milestone in the programme’s local amplification, bringing this global initiative closer to individuals on the ground and reinforcing its long-term sustainability. Far from concluding the effort, the event signaled the start of a strengthened and continued collaboration among UNITAR, INTRANT, the LMD, CIFAL Dominican Republic, Pernod Ricard, and local authorities to make Dominican roads safer for all.