Costa Rica Reports Highest Road Fatality Rate within OECD Countries
A new report reveals alarming statistics on road safety in Costa Rica, indicating a rising trend in traffic fatalities.
Costa Rica has been identified as having the highest road death rate among countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), according to a recent report from the International Transport Forum (ITF) on road safety.
The report reviews data on road accidents from 2023 and the first half of 2024, covering the 34 member countries of the International Road Traffic Accident Database (IRTAD).
The findings indicate that Costa Rica ranks among only three countries where the mortality rate exceeds 10 per 100,000 inhabitants, standing at nearly 18 per 100,000, followed by Colombia with 16 and the United States with 12. Further details reveal that while 21 of the 34 countries analyzed reported a decline in road traffic deaths in 2023 compared to 2022, Costa Rica experienced an increase of 4.8% in traffic-related fatalities during the same period.
In 2023, Costa Rica reported a total of 875 fatalities resulting from road traffic accidents, a provisional figure that diverges from national statistical reports indicating 936 victim cases, marking an increase of 81 from the 855 fatalities reported in 2022.
Over the past decade, the report notes a significant upward trend for Costa Rica, with an alarming 40% increase in road deaths from 2013 to 2023, which is only surpassed by Colombia's 43.2% rise during the same period.
Notably, the increase in motorcycle-related fatalities is a key concern, as motorcyclists alone accounted for half of all traffic accident victims in Costa Rica.
Between 2013 and 2022, fatalities among motorcyclists in Costa Rica doubled, with preliminary data indicating 486 deaths among motorcycle users in 2023, reflecting a 14% increase from the previous year.
The report highlights that 50% of motorcycle-related fatalities involved individuals who were either unlicensed or operating unregistered vehicles.
Experts from the Costa Rican Road Safety Council (COSEVI) emphasize that fatalities among motorcyclists are the primary driver of the nation’s traffic mortality rate.
Furthermore, it is reported that around 50% of motorcycle riders do not possess valid licenses, while a similar percentage of motorcycles are not properly registered.
Cultural factors, insufficient enforcement of traffic regulations, and budget reductions for safety campaigns have been cited as contributors to this trend.
Statistical evaluations indicate that the majority of motorcycle crash victims are males aged 19 to 39, many from rural areas with lower educational backgrounds.
Despite the high helmet usage rate of over 90%, it is estimated that only about 60% of riders use compliant helmets that meet safety standards.
Legislative measures and campaigns aimed at improving road safety in Costa Rica include laws regarding helmet use, alcohol consumption while driving, and vehicle inspections.
The ITF report outlines comparisons with countries exhibiting lower mortality rates, stating that nations such as Norway, Iceland, and Sweden maintain strict blood alcohol limits of 0.2g per liter, while Costa Rica enforces a limit of 0.5g for experienced drivers and 0.2g for novice or professional drivers.
Additionally, the use of seat belts is significantly higher in top-ranking countries; seat belt usage in Costa Rica is reported at 71% for drivers and 63% for passengers, compared to 97% and 96% in countries with lower fatality rates.
Legislative advancements in Costa Rica include the law empowering municipal police to act as traffic officers and legislation focused on the mobility and safety of cyclists.
A new technical inspection manual for motorcycles has also been implemented, alongside public awareness campaigns aimed at raising consciousness regarding road safety.
The report reviews data on road accidents from 2023 and the first half of 2024, covering the 34 member countries of the International Road Traffic Accident Database (IRTAD).
The findings indicate that Costa Rica ranks among only three countries where the mortality rate exceeds 10 per 100,000 inhabitants, standing at nearly 18 per 100,000, followed by Colombia with 16 and the United States with 12. Further details reveal that while 21 of the 34 countries analyzed reported a decline in road traffic deaths in 2023 compared to 2022, Costa Rica experienced an increase of 4.8% in traffic-related fatalities during the same period.
In 2023, Costa Rica reported a total of 875 fatalities resulting from road traffic accidents, a provisional figure that diverges from national statistical reports indicating 936 victim cases, marking an increase of 81 from the 855 fatalities reported in 2022.
Over the past decade, the report notes a significant upward trend for Costa Rica, with an alarming 40% increase in road deaths from 2013 to 2023, which is only surpassed by Colombia's 43.2% rise during the same period.
Notably, the increase in motorcycle-related fatalities is a key concern, as motorcyclists alone accounted for half of all traffic accident victims in Costa Rica.
Between 2013 and 2022, fatalities among motorcyclists in Costa Rica doubled, with preliminary data indicating 486 deaths among motorcycle users in 2023, reflecting a 14% increase from the previous year.
The report highlights that 50% of motorcycle-related fatalities involved individuals who were either unlicensed or operating unregistered vehicles.
Experts from the Costa Rican Road Safety Council (COSEVI) emphasize that fatalities among motorcyclists are the primary driver of the nation’s traffic mortality rate.
Furthermore, it is reported that around 50% of motorcycle riders do not possess valid licenses, while a similar percentage of motorcycles are not properly registered.
Cultural factors, insufficient enforcement of traffic regulations, and budget reductions for safety campaigns have been cited as contributors to this trend.
Statistical evaluations indicate that the majority of motorcycle crash victims are males aged 19 to 39, many from rural areas with lower educational backgrounds.
Despite the high helmet usage rate of over 90%, it is estimated that only about 60% of riders use compliant helmets that meet safety standards.
Legislative measures and campaigns aimed at improving road safety in Costa Rica include laws regarding helmet use, alcohol consumption while driving, and vehicle inspections.
The ITF report outlines comparisons with countries exhibiting lower mortality rates, stating that nations such as Norway, Iceland, and Sweden maintain strict blood alcohol limits of 0.2g per liter, while Costa Rica enforces a limit of 0.5g for experienced drivers and 0.2g for novice or professional drivers.
Additionally, the use of seat belts is significantly higher in top-ranking countries; seat belt usage in Costa Rica is reported at 71% for drivers and 63% for passengers, compared to 97% and 96% in countries with lower fatality rates.
Legislative advancements in Costa Rica include the law empowering municipal police to act as traffic officers and legislation focused on the mobility and safety of cyclists.
A new technical inspection manual for motorcycles has also been implemented, alongside public awareness campaigns aimed at raising consciousness regarding road safety.
