I've been to Dominican Republic a few times and really loved it, but that was years ago and I hear the crime is much worse now. My young cousin and his girlfriend went a few years ago and were harassed and scared to death by a cab driver who picked up two other people with them, drove them somewhere and threatened to rob them. They they just laughed at them and put them out without robbing but scared them to death.
I have a friend there now who was ran over by a drunk driver and broke his leg and arm! You know driving while drinking is or at least was legal there so many of the drivers are very dangerous. Have you noticed the motorcycle riders driving with one hand while they have a drink in the other? The roads are definitely the most dangerous part. beautiful country though.