Costa Rica recorded 278 traffic-related deaths from January through May,  according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT).

Police data showed an 8.5% increase from the 256 fatalities reported during the same period in 2025.

Motorcyclists accounted for the largest share of fatalities, with 165 deaths, representing 59% of the total.

Drivers were the second-largest group, with 30 fatalities, or 10% of the total.

Cyclists accounted for 25 deaths, representing 9%. The remaining victims were pedestrians or operators of other types of vehicles.

Speeding was identified as the leading cause of fatal crashes, contributing to 97 deaths, or 34% of all traffic fatalities.

Driving against traffic or crossing a designated center line was the second-leading cause, resulting in 55 deaths, or 19% of the total.

Reckless driving accounted for 48 deaths, approximately 17%, among other contributing factors cited by authorities.

Officials are urging the public to report suspected reckless drivers by calling the 911 emergency line.

Costa Rica recorded more than 500 traffic-related deaths in 2025, a 13.3% increase compared with fatalities reported in 2024.

Recently, traffic police reported more than 1,000 drivers were cited for speeding between January and March.

In related developments, traffic fines were reduced by 0.22% this year, matching the same percentage decrease recorded in the Consumer Price Index.

MOPT is the government agency responsible for planning and managing the country's roads, airports and maritime ports, as well as overseeing public transportation regulations.

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