Tránsito Asks Vacationers To Drive Safely
In an effort to reduce the number of deaths on the roads, the Policía de Tránsito and workers of the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) - state insurance company - were out in full force yesterday to ask drivers to use caution.

The traffic police and insurance workers were out on all major roads around the country, but centering their efforts on the busiest and perhaps most deadly highway in the country, the General Cañas, the main thoroughfare in and out of San José to the airport and points west.

The program is to remind drivers who are heading out for the mid-year vacation to reduce their speed, not to drive while under the influence of alcohol and to use caution.

Friday, more than 1 million students got off school for two weeks and many Costa Ricans traditionally head for the beaches and mountains for their mid-year vacations.

The Cruz Roja (Red Cross) reports more than 400 "violent" deaths for this year, of which 168 were due to traffic accidents and 55 drownings.

Policía de Tránsito officials will be stationed along the highways, especially in high risk areas of the highways. Spot checks will be used at various points to reduce drinking and driving and driving.

Using a cellular phone while driving is a no no and Tránsito officials warn of the dangers and will issue fines. In a study done in the United States Utah University,  using a cell phone while driving increases the risk of an accident by five times.

The massive return home will be on Sunday, July 16.