The Costa Rican Traffic Police reported this week that 20 people died in traffic accidents last month, the lowest figure recorded in Costa Rica since 1994.
The report also indicates that 93 deaths were registered during the first four months of this year – 33 less than the first four months of 2012. It is also the lowest figure recorded for the first four months of a year since 1995, when there were 89 roadway deaths.
Public Works and Transport Minister Pedro Castro said the decrease in the number of fatalities “is a result of the implementation of the new Traffic Law, which entered into force on October 26, and better performance from Traffic Police officers.”
According the report, the main causes of accidents are speeding, which tallied 31 fatalities, and illegal passing, which caused 25 deaths.
Four fatalities were attributed to drivers under the influence of alcohol, while in the same period last year, 14 people died in alcohol-related accidents.