New Campaign Launched To Reduce Traffic Accidents
During the coming days, officials of the Policía de Tránsito (traffic police) will begin a new campaign to reduce the increasing number of traffic accidents on the country's highways, especially during Semana Santa, when ten of thousands head for the roads.

"Piensa antes de conducir" (think before driving) is the slogan that tries to remind drivers and their passengers to use the seatbelt, both in front and back, and child seats for infants.

The campaign was originally schedule for May, however, officials moved up the schedule to remind Semana Santa drivers of the dangers of drinking and driving, speeding and reckless driving.

The campaign is being sponsored by the Automóvil Club de Costa Rica, the Consejo de Seguridad Vial (Cosevi) and the private tire manufacturer Bridgestone Firestone Costa Rica.

"Mr Crash" is the official representative of the campaign. The bright yellow orange dummy will be making his point to drivers, who are asked to first check their cars thoroughly before embarking on a trip. Check the tire pressure, all lights are in working order, top up fluids and make sure the brakes are in good order.

Using a seat belt will save lives, Mr Crash will be reminding drivers and passengers during the campaign. A parallel campaign is using posters depicting the open rear doors of an ambulance with the words "you choose how you want ride".

Traffic accidents are the major cause of violent deaths in Costa Rica.

For the year 2005, 332 persons lost their lives (almost one person a day) and 20.000 persons injured on the roads involved in 44.000 traffic accidents for an average of 120 accidents (5 accidents per hour or one accident every 12 minutes).

Tránsito officials say that the use of a seatbelt reduces injury in a traffic accident by as much as 60%.