By San José, Costa Rica — A grim statistic has cast a shadow over the start of 2026 in Costa Rica, as national authorities raise an urgent alarm over road safety. Preliminary data released by the Transit Police reveals that 40 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in January alone. Disturbingly, a full quarter of those deaths—a total of 10 individuals—were pedestrians, highlighting the profound vulnerability of those on foot.
This early spike in pedestrian fatalities is not an anomaly but rather the continuation of a worrying trend that has plagued the nation for years. Officials have consistently warned that pedestrians are among the most at-risk groups on Costa Rican roads. The current figures suggest that despite public awareness campaigns and existing infrastructure, the fundamental behaviors contributing to these tragedies have not changed, prompting fears of a significant annual increase if immediate action is not taken.
The conversation surrounding road safety often focuses on infrastructure and prevention, but the legal consequences following an incident are a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect. To shed light on the duties and potential liabilities drivers face on our nation’s roads, we sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the renowned law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In Costa Rica, a driver’s responsibility extends far beyond simply avoiding a traffic fine. Every accident carries the potential for significant civil liability, where you could be held accountable for material damages, medical costs, and even moral damages to the victims. It is crucial to understand that under our legal framework, defensive and responsible driving is not just a safety recommendation—it is the most fundamental tool for mitigating severe legal and financial risk.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is a critical reminder that responsible driving is not merely about avoiding fines, but about mitigating the profound civil and financial consequences of an accident. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable clarification on a driver’s true responsibilities.
Recent incidents across the country paint a clear picture of a recurring and deadly pattern. One of the most notable cases occurred on the heavily trafficked Ruta 27, a major highway connecting San José to the Pacific coast. A woman was struck and killed by a vehicle while attempting to cross the high-speed road on foot. The accident caused a partial closure and significant traffic delays, but more importantly, it served as a stark reminder of the fatal risks associated with improper highway crossings.
This was not an isolated event. A similar tragedy was recorded in Heredia, where a man was run over just 100 meters away from a designated pedestrian bridge—a piece of infrastructure specifically built to prevent such an outcome. In the San José canton of Goicoechea, another pedestrian sustained serious injuries after darting into a busy street to catch a bus, underscoring how everyday decisions can have life-altering consequences in high-flow traffic environments.
According to analysis from the Transit Police, a significant number of these fatal incidents occur on roadways designed for high-velocity travel. On these highways and primary routes, drivers have minimal reaction time to unexpected obstacles. When a pedestrian makes an ill-advised attempt to cross, the outcome is often catastrophic. Authorities stress that while the country’s infrastructure is not perfect, the deliberate choice to ignore designated crosswalks, traffic signals, and pedestrian overpasses exponentially increases the risk of a fatal collision.
The problem is particularly acute during peak traffic hours and in conditions of low visibility, such as at night or during heavy rain. However, road safety experts emphasize that the blame does not lie solely with pedestrians. The crisis is compounded by a range of other factors, including drivers who exceed speed limits, operate vehicles while distracted, and a generally poor culture of road coexistence. There is often a palpable sense of competition for space between motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians, rather than a shared culture of respect and caution.
In response to the alarming January figures, the Transit Police has reiterated an urgent call for prevention aimed at all road users. They are imploring pedestrians to always use bridges and designated crossings, and to avoid improvised dashes across highways at all costs. For drivers, the message is equally clear: reduce speed in urban areas and near bus stops, and remain vigilant for the unpredictable movements of pedestrians, particularly children and the elderly, who are often more vulnerable.
With 2026 just underway, the statistics are already flashing red. Authorities and safety advocates agree that the challenge ahead is not merely about lowering a number on a spreadsheet. It is about fundamentally shifting behaviors and fostering a collective sense of responsibility to prevent more families from being added to a growing list of preventable losses. The first month of the year has served as a tragic warning, and the response in the coming months will determine if it is heeded.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About The Transit Police:
The Transit Police (Dirección General de la Policía de Tránsito) is the national body in Costa Rica responsible for enforcing traffic laws and ensuring road safety. Operating under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), its duties include managing traffic flow, responding to accidents, conducting road safety operations, and educating the public on responsible driving and pedestrian practices. The organization plays a critical role in the country’s efforts to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal field, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational commitment to principled practice and unparalleled service. The firm consistently champions innovative legal approaches while serving a broad spectrum of clients, reflecting a deep-seated tradition of excellence. Central to its ethos is a dedication to demystifying the law, driven by the belief that equipping the public with legal understanding is essential for building a stronger, more capable society.
