The Traffic Police is carrying out road surveillance operations during the holidays, from Nov. 14 to January 8, 2023, announced the Ministry of Public Transports.

According to police, there will be over 650 officers on the road, more than 150 patrols, over 130 motorcycle officers and more than 20 tow trucks. In addition, officers count with speed control radars, alcohol sensors, gas emission measurement equipment and noise measure devices, among others.

Police are warning travelers during the beginning of the high season of tourism to respect the rules as they’ll be out in full force. They make the following recommendations:

• 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," the Traffic Police said.

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

• Never drink alcohol 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 on motorcycles, ATVs Quad bikes, or bicycles, always wear light or reflective clothing, wear a helmet and use the lights at night. Never carry children under 5 years old, the police said.

As of October, Traffic Police reported 402 deaths caused by traffic accidents. That marks 112 more than the 290 deaths reported in the same period last year.

Reckless driving continues on an upswing. Recently, more than 30 thousand drivers were fined for breaking the Traffic Law.

 

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

Police call on drivers to respect the law and take precautionary measures to avoid accidents. People can report any case of reckless driving to the 911 emergency line.

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