The number of deaths in traffic accidents decreases, authorities say

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

According to the most recent traffic police report, during June, July, and August, the number of deaths in car accidents has decreased, related to the same period last year.

According to statistics, the average number of deaths in traffic accidents, this year is 30 deaths per month. While last year, the average 47 deaths per month.

According to German Marin, Director of the Traffic Police, the results in decreasing deaths are as a result of the increase in road control operations. "We have been increasing controls and officers in the streets."

According to the traffic police, the month of July, recorded 23 deaths from traffic accidents, the lowest figure since November 2016, when 20 people lost their lives.

The leading cause of death on the road remains, reckless driving.

Secondly, the cause of accidents is passing in the opposite lane or reckless overtaking.

The third cause of accidents was speeding.

According to the traffic police, in the past, the leading cause of accidents was speeding. Now the main cause is reckless driving.

From January to August, 130 people died due to motorcycle accidents, police statistics recorded this year. According to the statistics, "the motorcycle is the vehicle in which more people die," said the police in its report.

According to the traffic police, from January to July, 7,500 motorcycles have been seized for violations of the law. Also, during the same period, 11,500 license plates were seized for committing violations of the traffic law.

On June,  Traffic Police reported 1,889 drivers were fined during the first five months of the year from January to May,  for reckless driving such as drunk driving, speeding and wrong way driving, among others.

According to Article 143 of the Traffic Law, the fine for reckless driving is $545, plus the registration of 6 points against the driver's license record.

When a driver has registered 6 points on his/her driver's license, the individual must take a sensitivity and reeducation course and pass that course with a grade equal to or greater than 80 points. These requirements are necessary to be able to renew the driver's license.

A new driver who earns 6 points immediately loses the right to drive for a year. After that, the driver must redo all the process from the beginning, applying for the driving test to obtain the driver's license.

According to the traffic police, among the most common cases were:

- 747 drunk drivers with a level of alcohol in blood so high that in addition to the fine, drivers were taken to the Public Ministry where they face a criminal complaint.

- 432 drivers who invaded the opposite lanes.

- 227 drivers who made a U-turn in an area where the maneuver is not allowed.

- 182 drivers who passed on curves, intersections or bridges.

- 112 drivers who were speeding over 120 km/h.

- 129 who were driving with a low-level of alcohol.

- 60 drivers for driving with the license suspended.


Other fines for violating the traffic law are:

- Colliding with a train is $550.

- Not using appropriate safety devices is $380.

- Crashing into railway sign that is placed at the rail intersection is $366.

- Stopping on or near the tracks and not allowing a train to pass is $185.

- Failure to use a seat belt is $185.

- Concerning motorcyclists, failure to wear a helmet or wearing it incorrectly is $185.

- Fines for drivers using their cell phones while driving is $185.


Penalty points are also applied against the driver for committing faults and are recorded in a database of the Road Safety Council. When the driver renews their license, other sanctions related to the number of registered fines will be applied.




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Do you think higher fines for traffic violations mean fewer car crashes? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com

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