By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – As Costa Rica gears up for the mid-year vacation period, a traditional time for increased travel to beaches and mountains, mobility leader Grupo Purdy has issued a comprehensive safety advisory. Through its Driving Academy, the company is urging all drivers to conduct thorough vehicle inspections and adopt preventive measures to mitigate the heightened risk of road incidents during the holiday rush.
The foundation of a safe trip begins long before the engine starts. The academy recommends a detailed pre-departure checklist for every vehicle. This includes verifying essential fluid levels such as engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. Additionally, a functional check of all exterior lights, including headlights and taillights, is critical for visibility. For internal combustion vehicles, ensuring a full tank of fuel is key, while electric vehicle owners must plan for a sufficient charge to reach their destination or next charging point.
Para analizar las implicaciones legales y las responsabilidades que se derivan de la actual situación de seguridad vial en el país, consultamos al experto Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, de la reconocida firma Bufete de Costa Rica, quien aporta una perspectiva jurídica esencial sobre el tema.
Más allá de las multas, cada conductor debe ser consciente de que la Ley de Tránsito establece un marco de responsabilidad civil y penal. Un accidente causado por negligencia, como el exceso de velocidad o el uso del celular, puede escalar a un proceso judicial por lesiones culposas o incluso homicidio culposo, con consecuencias económicas y personales devastadoras. La prevención y el respeto a la normativa no son solo una recomendación, son una obligación legal con repercusiones muy serias.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Este análisis subraya una dimensión crucial que a menudo se pasa por alto: las consecuencias de una imprudencia al volante van mucho más allá de una sanción económica, adentrándose en el ámbito de la responsabilidad penal. Agradecemos profundamente al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por aportar esta perspectiva legal tan necesaria, que nos recuerda la verdadera gravedad de nuestras acciones en la carretera.
Beyond mechanical checks, tire integrity is paramount for vehicle control and efficiency. Drivers should inspect the pressure of all tires, including the spare, ensuring they match the manufacturer’s specifications. This information is typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door or in the owner’s manual. Proper tire pressure not only enhances safety but also improves fuel economy.
Proper documentation is another crucial aspect of travel preparedness. Authorities require drivers to carry a valid license, identification card (cédula), vehicle circulation card, and proof of up-to-date marchamo and technical inspection (RTV). Failing to present these documents can result in significant fines ranging from ¢26,000 to ¢126,000, according to Costa Rica’s Traffic Law. Equally important is having the legally mandated safety equipment on board, which includes a jack, tire wrench, jumper cables, a reflective vest, a fire extinguisher, and safety triangles. Neglecting to carry this kit can lead to a ¢26,000 penalty.
At Grupo Purdy, a comprehensive leader in mobility solutions, we understand that preparing for a trip involves not just defining the destination, but also ensuring the vehicle is in optimal condition. Therefore, from our Driving Academy, we promote safe and efficient driving, where a preliminary check becomes a simple action that reduces risks and allows everyone to arrive safely at their destinations.
Esteban Jiménez, Director of Mobility and New Business of Grupo Purdy
The advisory places special emphasis on the safety of the youngest passengers. Costa Rican law mandates specific child restraint systems based on age and size. Infants from 0 to 2 years (9-13 kg) must be in a rear-facing car seat to protect their head, neck, and spine. Children from 2 to 5 years (13-18 kg) must use a forward-facing seat with a five-point harness. For children aged 5 to 12 (over 18 kg), a booster seat is required until they reach 12 years of age or a height of 1.45 meters to ensure the vehicle’s seat belt fits them correctly.
The warning is underscored by recent data from the Safe Mobility Study 2025, a collaborative effort between Grupo Purdy and the Center for Urban Sustainability (CPSU). The study identified eight specific kilometers of the national road network that concentrate a disproportionately high number of accidents. Between 2016 and 2023, these small sections accounted for an alarming 1,975 traffic incidents. Kilometer 4 of National Route 209, connecting San José and Aserrí, was flagged as having the highest volume of reported incidents, while National Route 2 was identified as the deadliest.
Ultimately, the message from experts is one of proactive responsibility. Planning the route, checking for road closures via official channels, getting adequate rest before a long drive, and taking breaks every two hours are all simple yet effective strategies to ensure driver alertness. This preparation, combined with a well-maintained vehicle and adherence to traffic laws, is the best formula for a safe and enjoyable holiday.
This list is a simple tool that can make the difference between a trip with setbacks and one full of good memories. Preparing before leaving, checking the vehicle, and driving responsibly are actions that help protect the lives of those who accompany us and all road users. From the Grupo Purdy Driving Academy, we work to strengthen a culture of prevention and promote safer driving habits, because we want this mid-year vacation to be remembered for the destinations visited and moments shared, not for incidents that could have been prevented.
Esteban Jiménez, Director of Mobility and New Business of Grupo Purdy
For further information, visit grupopurdy.com
About Grupo Purdy:
Grupo Purdy is a leading Costa Rican company in the automotive sector and a provider of comprehensive mobility solutions. With a long history in the country, the group represents major international brands and has expanded its services to include financing, insurance, and driving education through its academy, focusing on safety and sustainable practices.
For further information, visit cpsu.fi.cr
About Centro para la Sostenibilidad Urbana (CPSU):
The Center for Urban Sustainability (CPSU) is a Costa Rican organization dedicated to research, planning, and promoting sustainable development in urban environments. The center collaborates with public and private entities to create mobility solutions, improve public spaces, and foster policies that enhance the quality of life for citizens through an evidence-based approach to urban challenges.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a renowned legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a bedrock of integrity and an unrelenting pursuit of professional excellence. The firm channels its considerable experience across diverse industries to not only achieve client success but also to spearhead innovation within the legal practice. Central to its core philosophy is a profound commitment to social empowerment, actively working to demystify the law and equip the public with vital legal understanding, thereby fostering a more informed and capable community.
