Less Drunk Drivers But
Traffic Accidents Deaths Not Falling
Although there was a reduction of traffic accident deaths caused by
drunk drivers, the carnage on the nation's highways hasn't dropped.
According to figures by the Consejo de Seguridad Vial (Cosevi) there
have been 52 deaths recorded in the two months of this year,
compared to 53 for the same period last year.
Germán Marín, director of the Policía de Tránsito (traffic police),
said the numbers show that drunk driving has slipped to third place
in causing traffic accident deaths, however, climbing the scale is
speeding and imprudence by pedestrians.
Pedestrians dash out in middle of traffic with no concern to the
speed of the oncoming traffic. Especially at bus stops along the
autopistas, like in front of the Cariari Plaza on the General Canas
and in front of Hospital Cima in Escazu, where traffic volume and
speed is much greater. At both sites there is a pedestrian overpass,
which goes mostly unused.
This year, with the tough drunk driving laws that sends drunk
drivers directly to jail, there have been only 7 traffic accident
deaths related to alcohol abuse, compared to 14 involving speeding
and 12 involving pedestrians.
"The new Ley de Tránsito has achieved a change in the abuse of
alcohol, however, we need now to change other dangerous behaviour
behind the wheel", said Marín.
The Cosevi figures for the last three years shows an increase in the
number of deaths from traffic accidents, climbing from 329 in 2006
to 339 in 2007 and 355 last year.
The numbers refer only to deaths occurred at the scene of an
accident and do not reflect deaths on route and at hospitals
following the accident.
The traffic director suggests that one of the reasons for the
increase is an increase in the number of vehicles on the roads in
the last several years.
The numbers are alarming.
The Cruz Roja (Red Cross) that provides paramedic and ambulance
services, says it responded to 20.134 accidents last year or 55 a
day. The Cruz Roja numbers break down to more than 11.000
collisions, more than 5.000 pedestrians being hit and 4.000 vehicles
flipping over.
And in contrast to the 355 deaths reported by Cosevi, the Cruz
Roja's count is 403.
The simple matter of the fact is that today, on Costa Rica's roads,
people are driving more than ever, "like crazy".
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