2008 Traffic Accident
Death Toll 304 And
Climbing
Notwithstanding the
efforts of the Consejo
de Seguridad Vial (Cosevi),
the death toll on the
nation's highways is 304
as of November 9. The
death toll in 2007 was
339.
Cyclists head the list
of fatalities in 2008,
with 82 deaths, followed
by motorists,
pedestrians and
passengers of vehicles,
among other fatalities.
To reduce the death
toll, flyers are being
handed to drivers as
they pass through the
toll booths. The
ministra de Transportes,
Karla González, said
this is one way to
remind drivers of the
reality that is being
lived on the roads
around the country.
A message on the
electronic board at the
toll booths reminds
Costa Rica is a county
of peace but is living a
war on its roads.
United Nations data
showed that over 1.2
million people die each
year on the world's
roadways — more than are
killed by major scourges
such as malaria or
diabetes - and millions
more seriously injured.
In response to this
growing epidemic, the
United Nations' General
Assembly approved the
first ever conference on
road safety, to be held
next year in Russia.
The UN says that the
death toll could
increase by 65% in
countries that do not
promote prevention.
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