- Photo via Ministry of Public Transport -


You Might
Also Like















Published on Tuesday, July 5, 2022
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff 


On Monday, the mid-year school break started for students which tends to cause an increase in road activity, leading to Traffic Police road surveillance operations. This year, public schools and most private schools are on break from July 4 to 18. 

 

According to the Ministry of Public Transport, there will be about 700 officers on the road, 160 patrols, 170 motorcycle officers and 25 tow trucks. In addition, officers count 30 speed control radars, 67 alcohol sensors, 20 gas emission measurement equipment and 35 noise measure devices.


Officers are focused on detecting drunk driving, speeding, invasion of the opposite lane, taking children under five years old in a motorcycle, carrying children without safety devices in the vehicle, driving on sidewalks, driving without having a driver's license and illegal U-turns, among others.


Police are warning travelers during this mid-year break to respect the traffic rules as they’ll be out in full force. Drivers may avoid any problems while traveling to the beaches or countryside, by following the provided recommendations by the police:


  • Never drive tired. Before leaving on a trip, the driver must have slept at least eight hours. If the driver is tired it is better to pull over and rest before continuing. At least two drivers travel in the same car if one driver cannot continue, the other can take the wheel.

 

  • Avoid overloading the cart with luggage that can cause instability in the vehicle. That could make the car difficult to drive and reduce the car's action to stop. It also puts pressure on the car tires.

 

  • Do not transport more people than the car allows because of the lack of seatbelts. This puts passengers and drivers at risk of an accident.

 

  • Use the appropriate safety device for all children under 12 who travel in the vehicle.

 

  • Always check the condition of the car before traveling, such as the electrical system, tires, brakes and fuel among others.





  • Avoid speeding, it is essential, even more so when making long trips. "Commonly, people are anxious to reach their destination, which causes the driver to commit recklessness, such as speeding, to overtake in the prohibited zone," Traffic Police said.

 

  • Always slow down when traveling through wildlife roads to avoid running over an animal. "They are continually crossing the roads," they said.


  • One of the most important recommendations is to never drink and drive, nor drive under the influence of any other substance. Alcohol, drugs or medications could reduce brain function and muscle coordination. Driving a vehicle while impaired is dangerous.

 

  • Avoid driving while wearing sandals, because the upper strap of this type of footwear could get caught on the pedals causing the driver to lose control (speeding or stopping suddenly).

 

  • In the case of driving or riding passengers for motorcycles, ATVs, quads or bicycles, always wear light or reflective clothing, helmet and use the lights at night. Never carry children under 5 years old, the police said.


Recently, 7,947 drivers were fined for not using safety devices.

 

Police also applied over 8,300 DUI tests.

 

Also, police targeted more than 18,000 people who received a fine for reckless driving.

 

Police reported over 200 traffic accident deaths from January to May.


Last year, more than 300 people died in traffic accidents.


 

--------------------

What other advice would you give drivers to avoid car accidents during mid-year school break? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com





Real Estate For Sale