Oct
29

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Traffic accidents

Category: Insurance in Costa Rica, The Dark Side Tags: , , Leave a Comment

If you have a traffic accident in Costa Rica, leave the vehicles where they are and call both the Transito (Traffic Police, at 222-9330 or 222-9245) and the INS known as the insurance investigator at 800-800-8000.  Both of these officials will come, eventually, to the accident scene upon notification and file their reports.  Only after they do so can you legally move your vehicle.

This may cause great traffic back-ups but drivers are used to this type of obstacle and will find a way to get around you.  I’ve seen traffic up on sidewalks and driving at the edge of a very scary drop-off to get around an accident.  So don’t worry about blocking the road.  Stick to the rules or the alternative will make you crazy.  Remember my radio story?

Aug
27

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Traffic accidents

Category: Living in Costa Rica, The Dark Side Tags: , Leave a Comment

Traffic accidents are the leading cause of violent deaths in Costa Rica, claiming on average more than 600 lives a year for the past five years and driving up costs for the nation’s public health system. After a couple years of coasting then slowing down, the death toll and number of traffic accidents are speeding up again, according to statistics from the Roadway Safety Council (COSEVI)

Jun
14

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Hearts in the road

Category: Living in Costa Rica, The Dark Side Tags: , Leave a Comment

What are all the yellow hearts painted in the middle of the road you might ask? The answer to that question is very sad…This is the place where someone was killed and it is a monument to them. A kind of reminder to watch your driving and look out for pedestrians.