Driving & Pedestrian Safety: Because crushed coral has been used in the construction of some road surfaces, driving when the roads are even slightly wet can be very hazardous as highways can become as slippery as ice. The maximum posted speed limit is 45 mph with slower speeds regulated by law within school zones (15 mph) and congested areas (35 mph). All vehicle traffic is required to operate on the right side of the road. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is very efficient and well equipped. Speed laws are strictly enforced and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in severe penalties, including jail.

Pedestrians are urged to follow all posted signs for cross streets, such as stop lights, crossing-signals, and cross-walks designated to indicate to vehicle traffic to yield to people crossing the streets. It is dangerous and illegal to cross the street at undesignated locations.

Medical Facilities: Main public hospital with 24-hour services is the Commonwealth Health Center. Additional private clinics are also available – click here to see a listing.

Natural Disasters: Except for earthquakes, Tsunami and volcanism - which have not recently affected Saipan, Tinian and Rota - tropical storms, fires, floods and droughts can happen at any time within a particular season of the year. By far the most frequent threat is from typhoons. Under the guidance of the Governor’s orders and the CNMI Emergency Management Office, all agencies of the CNMI government have contingency plans to implement during a disaster and are particularly adept at mitigating loss of life during these storms. The Emergency Management Office operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio (WXM86 Saipan) is monitored continuously. Storm and typhoon information is received from the U.S. Navy Oceanographic Command Detachment on Guam.