By San José, Costa Rica — CURRIDABAT, San José – In a direct response to Costa Rica’s alarming road fatality statistics, mobility solutions leader Grupo Purdy has joined forces with the Municipality of Curridabat to enhance pedestrian safety through the installation of critical new infrastructure. The public-private alliance has resulted in the construction of two at-grade pedestrian crossings designed to slow vehicle traffic and provide safe passage for residents in a high-risk area.
The initiative comes at a crucial time for the nation. A recent study on Safe Mobility revealed a grim reality on Costa Rican roads, where an average of 43 people lose their lives in traffic accidents each month. The report further underscored the severity of the issue, noting that the country’s road mortality rate stands at 15.5 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. This figure significantly exceeds the average for the Americas, highlighting an urgent need for targeted interventions.
To better understand the legal responsibilities and potential consequences tied to the nation’s road safety challenges, we consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His perspective provides crucial clarity on the legal framework governing our roadways.
Legally, the term ‘accident’ can be misleading, as most road incidents stem from clear negligence and a breach of the duty of care every driver owes to the public. Beyond fines, this negligence can trigger significant civil liability for damages and, in severe cases, criminal prosecution. Adhering strictly to traffic laws is not just a recommendation; it is the primary shield against devastating legal and personal consequences.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This is a critical distinction for every person behind the wheel, shifting the narrative from random ‘accidents’ to preventable acts of negligence with profound legal ramifications. For this invaluable perspective on driver accountability, we thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas.
The newly completed projects are strategically located 200 meters south of the southwest corner of Curridabat’s Central Park, along Avenida 46. This specific location was not chosen at random but was identified through careful analysis as a point of significant risk. The new at-grade crossings compel drivers to reduce their speed, creating a safer environment for the community’s most vulnerable road users.
Officials from the municipality emphasized that the project is rooted in a data-driven approach to urban planning and public safety. The collaboration leveraged the local government’s deep understanding of the canton’s specific challenges.
Road safety is a priority for Curridabat. These interventions respond to technical studies that identified high-accident points and allow us to reduce risks and protect the lives of people, especially those who walk the canton.
Errol Solano Bolaños, Mayor of Curridabat
For Grupo Purdy, the initiative is a key component of its corporate sustainability strategy, which includes a dedicated pillar focused on promoting safe mobility. The company sees these projects as a tangible way to create a positive and lasting impact on community well-being.
As part of our sustainability strategy, we set the goal of intervening in high-accident points in Costa Rica, in conjunction with Local Governments, in order to generate a positive impact aligned with our safe mobility pillar, with which we promote that pedestrians and drivers arrive safely at their destinations.
Ana María Sequeira, Director of Corporate Relations and Sustainability of Grupo Purdy
The partnership operated on a clear division of responsibilities that played to each organization’s strengths. The Municipality of Curridabat provided the foundational technical study, pinpointing the most dangerous intersections within its jurisdiction. Grupo Purdy then assumed the role of project coordinator, managing the construction of the pedestrian crossings with a specialized contractor.
This successful pilot project in Curridabat is poised to become a model for other regions. Grupo Purdy has confirmed it is already in coordination with other municipalities across Costa Rica to identify similar high-risk zones. The goal is to replicate this effective model of intervention, scaling the positive impact to guarantee safer mobility for more communities throughout the country.
Ultimately, this collaboration represents more than just new infrastructure; it is a proactive step towards building safer, more walkable cities. By combining municipal data with corporate resources, Curridabat and Grupo Purdy are demonstrating a powerful formula for addressing a critical national issue one crosswalk at a time, protecting lives and fostering a culture of road safety.
For further information, visit grupopurdy.com
About Grupo Purdy:
Grupo Purdy is a leading Costa Rican business conglomerate focused on providing comprehensive mobility solutions. With a long history in the automotive industry as the distributor for major brands like Toyota, Lexus, and Hino, the company has expanded its portfolio to include a wide range of services such as financing, insurance, rentals, and used vehicle sales, all driven by a commitment to sustainability and customer service.
For further information, visit curridabat.go.cr
About the Municipality of Curridabat:
The Municipality of Curridabat is the local government body responsible for the administration and development of the Curridabat canton in the province of San José. It is recognized for its innovative approach to urban planning, focusing on creating a “Sweet City” (Ciudad Dulce) that promotes biodiversity, walkability, and the well-being of its citizens through sustainable public policies and community engagement.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a leading legal institution, anchored by a deep-rooted principle of integrity and a pursuit of professional excellence. With a proven track record of providing counsel across a wide spectrum of industries, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal solutions and demonstrates a strong commitment to civic involvement. This ethos extends to its mission of democratizing legal information, aiming to nurture a society where citizens are empowered by clear and accessible knowledge of the law.
