Traffic fatalities up in Costa Rica

A total of 294 people died in traffic accidents on Costa Rican roads during the first nine months of this year — up 16 percent from the 253 recorded during the same period of 2014, according to a report from the Traffic Police. Motorcyclists and pedestrians were the main victims.

Of the total traffic-related deaths recorded from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30 of this year, 115 victims were riding motorcycles and 56 were pedestrians. Together they made up nearly 60 percent of victims.

“Anyone on a road is exposed to an accident, not only car drivers. Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists as well,” Traffic Police Director Mario Calderón said.

Calderón said Traffic Police officers have issued tickets to 3,121 motorcyclists riding without a helmet since the beginning of the year.

Car accidents were the third most common cause of traffic fatalities so far this year, with 51 victims; while cyclists were fourth with 29 victims.

The report also indicated that 21 deaths were related to drunk driving, seven more than the number recorded in 2014.