Deaths in road accidents increase, police reports 010622

- Photo via Accidentes en Costa Rica -

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Published on Thursday, January 6, 2022
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Last year closed with 365 deaths in traffic accidents, despite the ban-on-driving rule which restricted hours allowed to drive, the Traffic Police reported.

According to police statistics, 65 more deaths were registered compared to 2021.

Of the total deaths, 184 were motorcyclists (which is equivalent to 50% of fatalities), 39 were car drivers, 24 were bicycle riders and the rest were passengers, pedestrians or people who drove other types of vehicles.

Also, 50 were adults between 41 and 50 years old, 97 were between 31 and 40 years old, 107 were young people between 21 and 30 years old, 33 were between 11 and 20 years old, and 3 kids of 10 years old or younger. The rest were adults over 51 years old.

Reports reveal that 41% of the deathly accidents happened at night, between 6 p.m. and midnight. This is despite the driving restrictions ordered by the government since 2020, the pandemic mandate limits the use of the vehicle mostly from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day.

Among the main causes of these road accidents were dark roads, fatigue, speeding and DUI, the police said.

Despite the ban-on-driving rule and early closure time for bars, stores and places to buy liquor, the police reported more than 3,000 positive DUI cases.

Also, drivers are warned that fines for breaking traffic law increased.

People can report suspects of reckless driving behavior to the Traffic Law by dialing the 911 emergency line.

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What is the death rate in road accidents in your country? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com