Statistics Show Male Drivers
A Constant Threat On The
Roads
Although the popular
belief that men are
better drivers than
women, statistics
published by the
Instituto Nacional de
Seguros (INS) - state
insurer - and the
Dirección de Tránsito -
transit authorities -
reveal that almost 80%
of the deaths resulting
from traffic accidents,
are men.
The numbers reveal that
the majority of those
are between the ages of
20 and 30.
Although the reason for
the high percentage of
men dying on the roads
can be attributed to the
fact that the majority
of drivers are men,
authorities are quick to
point to explanations.
"Women are more careful
and prudent than men
when driving and in
addition do not drive at
high speeds", said
Germán Marín, director
of the Policía de
Tránsito (traffic
police).
According to the
numbers, during the
first three months of
2008, 88 fatalities
occurred on the nation's
roads and speeding is
the major causes of the
fatal accidents.
"Those who drive
responsibly do so
because they concentrate
on respecting the rules
and laws of the road,
drive at a moderate
speed, responding in
time to dangers that the
road presents", said
Marín.
Notwithstanding, traffic
officials are calling on
all drivers to drive
responsibly, slow down,
respect the traffic laws
and don't drink and
drive, another major
source of accidents.
Some say that the low
fines, the lack of
Tránsito (traffic
officials) and poor
driving instructions,
all contribute to the
high number of
fatalities.
The Legislative Assembly
has in its hands for
almost two years
amendments to the
traffic laws that would
greatly increase fines
and punishment,
especially in the cases
of drinking and driving
and reckless driving.
Currently traffic fines
range between ¢5.000 and
¢20.000 colones, while
the new traffic law
would increase fines up
to 20 times that amount,
in addition to giving
transit authorities
would have the right to
suspend driver licenses. |
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