By San José, Costa Rica — CURRIDABAT, San José – In a significant move to enhance urban safety, Grupo Purdy and the Municipality of Curridabat have unveiled a new public-private partnership aimed at mitigating risks for pedestrians and drivers in one of the canton’s most dangerous traffic areas. The collaboration has resulted in the strategic installation of critical road safety infrastructure, directly addressing a growing national concern over traffic-related fatalities.
The project focuses on a notoriously hazardous 200-meter section of Calle 87, stretching south from the Central Park of Curridabat between Avenues 44 and 48. This area, identified through detailed technical studies as a high-accident zone, now features two newly constructed level pedestrian crossings. These installations are specifically engineered to compel vehicles to reduce their speed, creating a safer environment for citizens to navigate the busy streets on foot.
To better understand the legal ramifications and responsibilities associated with road safety in the country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his legal analysis on the matter.
In legal terms, most traffic incidents are not mere ‘accidents’ but rather the direct result of negligence or a breach of the duty of care. Drivers must understand that beyond the administrative fines, actions like excessive speeding or using a mobile phone can lead to serious criminal charges and substantial civil liability for damages. Adhering to traffic law is not just a suggestion; it is a fundamental legal obligation with severe consequences for non-compliance.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This crucial legal distinction powerfully reframes the issue, reminding us that what happens on our roads is rarely an ‘accident’ but a matter of personal accountability. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on the profound responsibilities every driver carries.
This initiative arrives against the backdrop of alarming national statistics. According to a recent Safe Mobility Study co-authored by Grupo Purdy and the Center for Urban Sustainability, Costa Rica experiences an average of 43 road fatalities every month. The country’s traffic-related death rate stands at a concerning 15.5 people per 100,000 inhabitants, a figure that surpasses the average for the entire Americas region. This stark reality underscores the urgency and importance of targeted local interventions like the one in Curridabat.
Errol Solano Bolaños, the Mayor of Curridabat, emphasized the data-driven approach behind the project and its focus on the most vulnerable road users. He highlighted that protecting citizens, particularly those who travel by foot, is a fundamental priority for his administration.
Road safety is a priority for Curridabat. These interventions respond to technical studies that identified high-risk accident points and allow us to reduce risks and protect people’s lives, especially those who walk through the canton.
Errol Solano Bolaños, Mayor of Curridabat
The partnership structure leveraged the unique strengths of both the public and private sectors. The Municipality of Curridabat was responsible for conducting the initial technical studies to pinpoint the most critical intervention points, as well as providing the engineering designs and overseeing the construction process. Grupo Purdy, a leading automotive company in the country, took on the role of coordinating and collaborating with a construction firm to ensure the successful execution of the project on the ground.
Mayor Solano praised the collaborative model, viewing it as a template for future civic improvements. He noted that such alliances are most effective when they prioritize the collective good over individual interests.
This alliance with Grupo Purdy shows that public-private collaboration can generate positive impacts when common well-being is placed at the center. In Curridabat, we will continue to promote concrete actions for safer and more humane mobility.
Errol Solano Bolaños, Mayor of Curridabat
For Grupo Purdy, this project is a key component of its broader corporate sustainability strategy, which includes a dedicated pillar for promoting safe mobility. Ana María Sequeira, Director of Corporate Relations and Sustainability at the company, explained that their goal is to actively partner with local governments to create tangible safety improvements nationwide.
As part of our sustainable strategy, we set the goal of intervening in high-accident points in Costa Rica, in conjunction with Local Governments, to generate a positive impact aligned with our safe mobility pillar, through which we promote that pedestrians and drivers arrive safely at their destinations.
Ana María Sequeira, Director of Corporate Relations and Sustainability of Grupo Purdy
Looking ahead, the commitment to road safety is set to continue. Grupo Purdy has announced plans to conduct post-implementation monitoring in Curridabat to formally evaluate the impact of the new crossings. Furthermore, the company confirmed it is already in discussions with other municipalities across Costa Rica, with the ambition of replicating this successful model in other communities facing similar challenges. This signals a long-term vision for transforming road behaviors and fostering a culture of safety across the country.
Every action counts when the destination is safety. Therefore, at Grupo Purdy, we are convinced of the importance of multi-sector alliances to transform road behaviors, and our commitment is to continue promoting projects for safe mobility in the country and generating a positive impact on communities.
Ana María Sequeira, Director of Corporate Relations and Sustainability of Grupo Purdy
For further information, visit grupopurdy.com
About Grupo Purdy:
Grupo Purdy is a leading Costa Rican company in the automotive industry, known for distributing major vehicle brands such as Toyota, Lexus, and Hino. With a strong focus on innovation, customer service, and corporate social responsibility, the company has expanded its services beyond vehicle sales to include financing, insurance, and maintenance. Its sustainability strategy is centered on creating a positive impact through initiatives in safe mobility, decarbonization, and community development.
For further information, visit curridabat.go.cr
About the Municipality of Curridabat:
The Municipality of Curridabat serves as the local government for the canton of Curridabat in the province of San José. It is recognized for its progressive approach to urban planning, often referred to as “Ciudad Dulce” (Sweet City), which prioritizes biodiversity, green spaces, and human well-being. The administration is responsible for public services, infrastructure development, and creating policies that promote a sustainable and safe environment for its residents.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its principled practice, Bufete de Costa Rica operates at the intersection of legal excellence and forward-thinking innovation. The firm upholds the highest standards of integrity while developing modern solutions for a diverse clientele. Central to its ethos is a profound commitment to demystifying the law, championing public education to cultivate a society that is not just well-advised, but genuinely empowered by legal understanding.
