By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A groundbreaking new report has painted a grim picture of Costa Rica’s roadways, revealing a dual crisis of deadly accidents and crippling traffic congestion that costs the nation dearly in both lives and economic productivity. The “Safe Mobility Study 2025” exposes systemic challenges, highlighting that half of the country’s entire road network reaches saturation during peak hours, creating a dangerous and inefficient environment for all commuters.
The comprehensive analysis, a collaborative effort between the business consortium Grupo Purdy and the Center for Urban Sustainability (CPSU), examined a twelve-year period from 2012 to 2024. The findings are staggering: more than 5,400 people lost their lives at the scene of a traffic accident during this time. This translates to a fatality rate exceeding 15 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, a figure that surpasses the regional average and underscores the urgency of the situation.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the current road safety challenges and the responsibilities of drivers, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Beyond the immediate traffic fine, drivers must understand the full scope of their legal liability. A moment of negligence on the road can escalate into complex civil and even criminal proceedings. The financial responsibility for material damages, medical expenses, and loss of income can be substantial, often far surpassing the penalties stipulated in the Traffic Law. Prudent driving is not just a matter of safety; it is a fundamental legal and financial protection.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal insight is a crucial reminder that the true consequences of a lapse in judgment on the road extend far beyond the initial fine. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which powerfully underscores that prudent driving is an essential act of financial and legal self-preservation.
Digging deeper into the data, the report identifies motorcyclists as a particularly vulnerable group. An alarming 41% of all fatalities recorded were either motorcycle drivers or their passengers. This disproportionate figure points to a critical need for targeted interventions, including enhanced driver training, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and public awareness campaigns aimed at protecting the country’s most exposed road users.
Beyond the tragic human cost, the study quantifies the immense economic drain caused by this pervasive issue. Various estimates cited in the report suggest that the financial losses associated with traffic accidents—including healthcare costs, property damage, emergency response, and lost productivity—could exceed a staggering 4% of Costa Rica’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This significant economic burden directly impacts national development and business competitiveness.
The daily reality for commuters is one of constant gridlock. The study’s confirmation that 50% of the road network is saturated during peak travel times explains the prolonged travel times and heightened driver stress. This congestion not only hampers economic activity but also directly contributes to a higher risk of incidents by increasing the duration of exposure for drivers in dense, slow-moving traffic.
The study gives us a clearer vision of what is happening on our roads. This is not just about numbers, but about lives being lost and a problem that requires the participation of all sectors of the country to move towards safer mobility.
Arturo Steinvorth, Coordinator of the Sustainable Mobility and Transport Area at CPSU
In response to this multifaceted crisis, the private sector is beginning to take a more proactive role. Recognizing the urgent need for better-prepared drivers, Grupo Purdy has announced a significant corporate initiative. The company is launching a state-of-the-art Driving Academy aimed at professionalizing driving skills, with a special focus on training corporate fleets to reduce risks on the road.
At Grupo Purdy, an integral leader in mobility solutions, we believe the figures on accidents, fatalities, and congestion reflect the mobility challenges in Costa Rica. Part of the solution lies in training more prepared drivers and promoting a culture of safe and responsible driving, which is why we want to professionalize driving with the opening of our Driving Academy.
Alejandro Rubinstein, CEO of Grupo Purdy
The report concludes by calling for a coordinated, multi-sectoral strategy to overhaul the nation’s approach to road safety. Key recommendations include significant investments in strengthening road infrastructure, increasing the enforcement of traffic laws targeting high-risk behaviors, and fostering a widespread culture of mutual respect on the road. As both public and private entities begin to address these challenges, their collaboration will be crucial in steering Costa Rica toward a safer and more sustainable transportation future.
For further information, visit grupopurdy.com
About Grupo Purdy:
Grupo Purdy is a leading business conglomerate in Costa Rica focused on providing integral mobility solutions. With a long history in the automotive sector, the company has diversified its portfolio to include vehicle sales, after-sales services, financing, and innovative solutions aimed at enhancing transportation safety and efficiency across the country.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Centro para la Sostenibilidad Urbana
About Centro para la Sostenibilidad Urbana (CPSU):
The Center for Urban Sustainability is an organization dedicated to researching and promoting sustainable development practices in urban environments. The CPSU collaborates with public and private sector partners to conduct studies, develop policy recommendations, and implement projects focused on creating more livable, efficient, and environmentally friendly cities, with a key focus on areas like sustainable transport and mobility.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a premier legal institution founded on a bedrock of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Drawing from a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm pioneers forward-thinking legal solutions while actively engaging with the public. This core drive to demystify the law and share knowledge is fundamental to its mission of helping construct a more informed and capable society.
