I'll be in Sosua in 3 weeks and was thinking of hiring a car to explore, but a couple of people said not too as guaranteed to have an accident.

Can anyone tell me if the driving there is really that bad?

Don, its not that bad. Renting a car is a good way to get around and see the country.

The main problem with the driving here is that the roads are not in good condition. There are large potholes and patches of road with holes and bumps and if you are not expecting it, you could damage your car or worse. Best to rent a jeep or something rugged and you should be ok.

The other problem is 'Dominican' driving (hope I don't get linched for saying what no-one else has!!).
Many here don't follow the rules of the road and will happily drive on the wrong side of the road, cut corners badly and its not unknown for some to drive with no lights in the dark.

So just be on the look out and always expect the unexpected! Makes driving here a little more interesting.

Drive carefully to avoid any accident as Tourists/foreigners are often squeezed for money by Dominicans and the local Police during accidents. Also be aware that heavily accidented people are often looted on the road instead of receiving help. Good luck!!!

No driving is alot better than many european countries I have visited. Driving around the NorthCoast is easy and not that dangerous as ong as you remain sober and keep your attention on the road and not the girls.

Put it this way, getting around is a pain in the butt without a car.

I drive here three years - no accident. Some people are too scared to live!

No, you will be garanteed to have an accident.
It is a form u must sign when renting or buying a car and on that form it says you must have accident!
pleeeese
how bout watching where u go?

No, you will be garanteed to have an accident. so robber said.

Speak for yourself! And let me know when you are driving! :)

I've been here 3 years, driving most days and no accident yet! Lots of near misses from Caribe Tours buses and motos who swerve in front of you, but so far lucky!

Luck and skill combined will get you through!

Finally a post with the mention of "motos".
Is not the moto the primary source of transportation in the Dominican Republic? Are there not more motos on the street than cars?
Most moto drivers DO NOT have licenses.
Most (if not all) moto drivers DO NOT have insurance.
Most moto drivers DO NOT obey the traffic laws.
Most moto drivers DO NOT wear helmets.
Most motos are not equiped with proper lights.
Most motos are....

to locals, moto's are really just a more modern donkey.
what people don't understand is, moto's don't know where they are going, so you do actually have to steer them!!

Most motos need mufflers!

ive been driving here for 7 years without incident, the secret is defensive driving. expect the unexpected forget the highway code or you will have an accident do what everyone else does and drive to suit yourself good luck

3 years and no speeding tickets - I am saving about $2000 a year comapred to driving in Canada!

Hi Greenpeace, I was born in DR but raised in montreal, Canada. Will be moving to Sosua in July to run my business that I have there. I have driven in DR yes there are many challenges but if we stay alert there is no problem. The reason I am writing directly to you is because you mentioned driving in Canada where abouts in Canada did you live?

If you get a ticket, give your foreign licence (not Dominican)and don't bother to pay.

the police are mainly after the "GRINGOS" who can afford to pay.

serenidad : Ottawa - if you get a couple of tickets in Canada, even if you have never had an accident in 50 years - your rates go to a couple of thousand a year!

send me a email:
cabaretewilliam@hotmail.com and tellme more about your business and plans....

ANY PERSON COMING DOWN HERE FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND WANTS TO RENT A CDAR DOES NOT KNOW WHAT NIGHTMARE YOU PUT YOURSELF THROUGH IF YOU DO GET IN AN ACCIDENT HERE .THERE ARE ABOUT 20 DIFFERENT POSSIBILITIES THAT MAKE YOU VUNERABLE TO MISJUDGING ,AND ONE IS THAT THINKING YOU KNOW HOW TO DRIVE BASE ON A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN CUSTOMS OF HABITS ,NOT TO MENTION THE CONDITION OF THE ROADS BE PREPARED TO PAY A HUGE PRICE FOR AN ERROR .

Live a little! And if you are a hestitant slow driver stay off the roads. If you are a good defensive driver, no problem. Rent a car with good insurance. Clients in our hotel had a minor accident - they were not at fault but they were "blamed". It was not a nightmare. The insurance took care of everything. They did not go to jail for even 10 min.

So if you are a hestitant slow driver stay off the roads. If you are a good defensive driver, no problem.

Well that answers my question. I have visited the DR before and am planning on moving there from Canada. I will be there at the end of April for 1 wk. with my two grown sons. Is there any way to get from Punta Cana to the north coast to look around the area and at real estate without renting a car?

yes, but 1 week won't allow you much time to see it all.
there is an airport near Puerto Plata (POP), not sure if you can fly direct Punta Cana to POP, but if noy via Santo Domingo.
Buses also travel from Puerto Plata to Santo Domingo, and Punta Cana - Santo Domingo - not sure if there is a more direct method.

If your live is just about over anyway you might as well try driving in the DR. What the hell you only live once.

Be aware that you will need a Dominican driving licence if you are over the three months in the DR. Unscrupulous insurers (Amber Guardian) does not need a DDL to insure you but if you have an accident or your car stolen ,you will NOT be covered. BE AWARE.

after 5 years and over 35000 miles no problem of course i scare the dominicans. most on my motorcycle, if you want to really see the country you really should get a car, just expect anything and keep alert