Ticos Don't Like Using Seat Belts, But Like to Talk on the Phone and Watch Television While Driving
Not using your seat belt can cost you ¢10.000 colones (us$19.50) and the Policía de Tránsito (traffic police) has issued some 10.000 such fines this year so far and they see no end in sight as drivers and passengers continue to refuse to wear the life saving device.

"I don't need it, I am a good driver", "I am just going around the corner" and "I forgot" are just some of the excuses that Tránsito officials are used to hearing on a daily basis.

However, statistics prove the officials right, using a seat belt saves lifes. Figures issued by Tránsito show that deaths in 2005 over the same period in 2004 were reduced by 8% by having the compulsory seat belt law. That figures converts into 40 less people dying.

So far this year 75 people have died in collisions. Both Tránsito and Consejo de Seguridad Vial (COSEVI) do not have figures for 2006 but they assure that the trend of seat belt use saving lives continues.

According to the Jefe Operativos Policiales de Tránsito, Juan Rodríguez, Costa Ricans simply don't like using their seatbelts. Rodríguez said many people feel it is an inconvenience and uncomfortable and don't believe it can save a life.

Another problem Tránsito officials face is the use of a cellular telephone while driving. From January to May this year, Tránsito officials have issued 3.274 fines for cellular use. "Not only is it an offence but it also a dangerous practice. When people are talking on the phone they don't pay attention to the road", said Rodríguez.

It is not uncommon to see drivers chatting away on the cell phone while driving along the General Cañas highway, the busiest and perhaps the most deadly highway in the country. The fine for using a cellular phone while driving is ¢10.000 colones.

However, there is good news. You can watch your favourite television program while driving because that is not an offence, as Tránsito are looking for ways under the current laws to stop the practice.