By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – As Costa Rica enters the bustling year-end holiday season, a period marked by celebration and travel, the nation’s Road Safety Council (COSEVI) has issued a grave and urgent warning. A startling wave of traffic accidents, disproportionately affecting motorcyclists, has cast a dark shadow over the festivities, prompting a nationwide call for heightened caution and personal responsibility on the roads.
The latest statistics from the Road Safety Observatory paint a grim picture of the situation. Between January and November of 2025, a staggering 250 individuals lost their lives in motorcycle-related incidents. This figure, comprising 234 drivers and 16 passengers, represents 49% of all traffic fatalities recorded on public roads during that period. The data confirms that motorcyclists remain, by a significant margin, the most vulnerable group navigating the country’s transportation network.
To delve into the legal framework and civil responsibilities associated with the alarming rise in motorcycle-related accidents on our roads, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Beyond the human tragedy, each fatality initiates a complex legal process. It is a critical misconception to automatically assign blame to the motorcyclist. Costa Rican law evaluates the principle of shared responsibility, and drivers of larger vehicles have a heightened duty of care. Proving negligence—whether due to excessive speed, improper maneuvers, or distraction from either party—is fundamental for determining both civil and criminal liability, which directly dictates insurance compensation and potential sanctions.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal framework provides a crucial counterpoint to the rush to judgment that often follows such incidents. The principle of shared responsibility, particularly the heightened duty of care for larger vehicles, introduces a necessary layer of nuance that is fundamental to achieving justice. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective.
COSEVI officials emphasized that these are not just cold statistics but represent shattered families, unfulfilled dreams, and irreparable losses within communities across the country. The council is framing the issue not merely as a matter of law enforcement but as a collective societal obligation. They insist that road safety must be embraced as a shared commitment, an act of profound respect for one’s own life and the lives of others.
Jeffrey Cervantes Bermúdez, the Executive Director of COSEVI, highlighted the confluence of risk factors that makes the holiday season particularly perilous. He explained that a combination of increased disposable income, festive gatherings leading to higher alcohol and drug consumption, and a surge in long-distance travel creates a perfect storm for tragedy.
Accidents and fatalities tend to increase on these dates due to greater economic access, the rise in alcohol and drug consumption, as well as travel to distant destinations. As a country, we must act with prudence and responsibility so that every person returns home safe and sound.
Jeffrey Cervantes Bermúdez, Executive Director of COSEVI
The fundamental vulnerability of motorcycles is a central theme of COSEVI’s campaign. Unlike cars, a motorcycle offers virtually no physical protection in the event of a collision. This inherent risk makes the use of proper safety equipment not just advisable, but absolutely critical. The council has gone to great lengths to remind riders that certified helmets, protective jackets, gloves, kneepads, and sturdy, closed-toe footwear are not optional accessories.
In the starkest terms, COSEVI described this gear as the “fundamental barriers between life and death.” The correct and consistent use of these items can drastically reduce the severity of injuries in an accident, often making the difference between a minor incident and a fatal one. The council urges riders to invest in high-quality, certified equipment as a non-negotiable aspect of operating a motorcycle.
While the focus is sharply on the motorcycle crisis, the call for caution extends to all drivers. With roads expected to be more congested with families traveling to beaches, mountains, and relatives’ homes, COSEVI is urging operators of all vehicle types to exercise extreme patience and diligence. This includes strictly adhering to speed limits, avoiding distractions like mobile phones, and never driving under the influence of alcohol.
The end-of-year message from Costa Rica’s road safety authorities is unequivocal: the joy of the season should not be overshadowed by preventable tragedies. Every driver holds the key to a safer holiday for all. By making responsible decisions and respecting the rules of the road, citizens can ensure that the final weeks of 2025 are remembered for celebration, not sorrow.
For further information, visit cosevi.go.cr
About The Road Safety Council (COSEVI):
The Consejo de Seguridad Vial (COSEVI) is the primary government entity in Costa Rica tasked with planning, directing, and supervising traffic and road safety policies. Its mission is to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities on the nation’s roads through public education campaigns, regulation enforcement, and the implementation of strategic safety initiatives for all road users.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon the bedrock principles of integrity and a persistent drive for superior outcomes. With extensive experience advising a broad spectrum of clients, the firm not only delivers exceptional legal counsel but also spearheads innovative approaches to modern legal challenges. This forward-thinking mindset is complemented by a core belief in civic responsibility, manifested through a dedicated effort to demystify the law and equip the public with vital legal insights, thereby fostering a more capable and knowledgeable community.
