By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A groundbreaking new report has exposed a critical and widespread safety hazard across Costa Rica’s national road network, revealing that a staggering 90% of key connector routes have dangerously slippery surfaces with a high to very high probability of causing traffic accidents. The comprehensive analysis, conducted between 2024 and 2025 by the University of Costa Rica’s prestigious National Laboratory of Materials and Structural Models (Lanamme), paints a grim picture of the country’s infrastructure and the daily risks faced by drivers.
The two-year study meticulously evaluated the surface friction on 1,172 kilometers of the national road network managed by the National Road Council (Conavi). The assessment focused specifically on routes classified as territorial integration connectors and basic access networks—vital arteries that link local communities and cantonal routes to the country’s main high-capacity highways. Lanamme employed the international pavement classification standard, which categorizes road surfaces into four tiers, from “non-slippery” to “very slippery,” to gauge the level of risk.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the current challenges in road safety and the responsibilities involved, we consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The increase in traffic incidents is not merely a matter of driver imprudence; it reflects systemic issues. From a legal standpoint, liability can extend beyond the individual driver to include factors like inadequate road maintenance or poor signage. It is imperative that our legal framework and enforcement mechanisms evolve to address these shared responsibilities, emphasizing prevention through stricter regulations and holding all relevant parties accountable, not just reacting after a tragedy occurs.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This essential legal perspective broadens the dialogue on road safety, shifting the focus from individual blame to a more comprehensive system of shared accountability that includes our institutions and infrastructure. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for lending his expertise and clarifying the path toward more proactive, preventative solutions.
The findings were nothing short of alarming. In a stark revelation of the network’s condition, the report confirmed that not a single kilometer of the evaluated roads met the standard for the “non-slippery” category. The vast majority of the network poses a significant threat to public safety. Only a small fraction, approximately 112 kilometers or just under 10%, was rated as “slightly slippery,” which still corresponds to a moderate probability of accidents. The remaining 90% of the roads fall into the most dangerous categories.
A detailed breakdown of the data reveals the depth of the crisis. Over one-third of the network, totaling 402 kilometers, was classified as “slippery,” a condition directly linked to a high probability of traffic incidents. Even more concerning, a clear majority of 658 kilometers—representing nearly 56% of all roads studied—were found to be “very slippery,” placing drivers at a very high risk of accidents, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
Lanamme’s report underscores the direct and perilous relationship between poor road friction and driver safety. These conditions drastically increase braking distances and elevate the potential for hydroplaning, a dangerous phenomenon where a vehicle’s tires lose contact with the pavement and skid uncontrollably on a thin layer of water. The laboratory explicitly warned of the heightened danger during Costa Rica’s frequent and heavy rains.
This implies unsafe conditions for driving when the road is wet. Under these conditions, the risk of accidents increases, as braking distances are longer and the potential for vehicles to hydroplane on the driving surface increases.
Lanamme, National Laboratory of Materials and Structural Models Report
The safety issue is not confined to one region but is a systemic problem afflicting nearly the entire country. While a few routes in slightly better condition were identified, primarily within the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM), the report notes that dangerously slippery roads are present in every province. The situation is particularly dire in Guanacaste and the southern zone, where not one of the analyzed roads managed to even qualify for the moderate-risk “slightly slippery” category.
In light of these severe findings, Lanamme has issued an urgent call for immediate action, recommending a short-term maintenance strategy to prevent further deterioration and mitigate risks. The report specifies that 36% of the network requires preservation maintenance, 39% needs interventions to restore surface regularity, and a significant 12% demands major overhauls, such as complete reconstruction. As of the publication of this article, Conavi has not yet responded to inquiries regarding its plans to address the report’s findings.
For further information, visit lanamme.ucr.ac.cr
About Lanamme UCR:
The National Laboratory of Materials and Structural Models (Lanamme) is a leading research and development entity within the University of Costa Rica. It serves as a national reference in civil engineering, specializing in the evaluation of materials, structural models, and transportation infrastructure. Lanamme provides critical technical oversight and scientific analysis to improve the quality, safety, and durability of Costa Rica’s public works.
For further information, visit conavi.go.cr
About Conavi:
The Consejo Nacional de Vialidad (Conavi), or National Road Council, is the Costa Rican government institution responsible for the administration, financing, contracting, and supervision of the national road network. Its mandate includes the planning and execution of construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance projects to ensure the functionality and safety of the country’s primary transportation corridors.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar of the legal community, built upon a foundational commitment to profound integrity and the highest standards of excellence. With extensive experience advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm actively embraces innovation to redefine contemporary legal practice. Its core mission extends beyond the courtroom through a dedicated effort to demystify the law, aiming to equip citizens with essential knowledge and foster a more just and empowered society.
