Punta Cana, Dominican Republic — Night driving on the route to the East is getting a major safety upgrade. RD Vial has begun installing reflective road studs—popularly known as “cat’s eyes”—from the Las Américas highway all the way along the Autovía del Este toward Punta Cana, with the goal of improving night visibility and cutting accident risks on some of the country’s busiest stretches.
The announcement came from RD Vial’s executive director, Hostos Rizik Lugo, who noted that roughly 3,000 units will be placed along the corridor, covering key segments in Santo Domingo Este, San Pedro de Macorís, La Romana, and the entire Bávaro–Punta Cana tourism strip. “We continue working for safer roads. Today we’re installing reflective markers from Las Américas to Punta Cana and on the Santo Domingo Bypass,” Rizik posted on his official X account.
What Drivers Can Expect: Clearer Lanes, Safer Curves
For years, motorists heading East have flagged limited lighting and spotty signage on certain sections. The new reflective studs act as bright, instant lane guides by bouncing back headlight beams—helping drivers gauge lanes, curves, and shoulders in real time. The effect is especially valuable at night or during rain, when visibility drops and the risk of lane departures and collisions increases.
Part of a Larger Road-Safety Push
This rollout complements RD Vial’s national “Carreteras Limpias” program, which keeps highways free of debris and enhances safety through ongoing maintenance. The 511 service remains active for reporting emergencies or infrastructure issues on the country’s main roads, creating a faster response loop for incidents and repairs.
Applause Across Social Media
- On Instagram, the official account @rd_vial shared photos of crews installing the studs on active roadways, drawing praise from users who welcomed the long-awaited fix.
- On X (Twitter), Rizik’s post was amplified by traffic pages and Eastern-region outlets, sparking a wave of public support labeling the plan “an action you can see—literally.”
- On Facebook, local media highlighted the tourism impact: a clearly marked, better-lit highway builds traveler confidence en route to the Caribbean’s top destination.
Why It Matters: Technical Upgrade, Human Impact
What seems like a small device carries big meaning: a safer path into the nation’s tourism capital. Bávaro and Punta Cana receive thousands of vehicles daily—from visitors to hotel staff and suppliers—and every improvement in visibility is an investment in lives, trust, and the region’s reputation.
The success of this initiative will hinge on maintenance. Installing the studs is step one; ensuring every “cat’s eye” keeps shining through rain, traffic, and time is what will cement the East as a benchmark for modern, sustainable road signaling in the Caribbean.
Bávaro Digital will continue monitoring progress on this project—crucial for the development and safety of the Eastern corridor. A well-marked highway doesn’t just prevent crashes; it reflects a country that’s serious about the future.
