RICO’s Q — In a social media post, Mike Furst explains the dangers of driving in Costa Rica and why many locals and expats tell newcomers or visitors to avoid driving in Costa Rica at night.
“We rent cars, and people always ask about the roads in Costa Rica and try to understand why many locals and expats say avoid driving in the dark. Here’s a great example. This water drain is about a meter (3ft) deep. Turn the corner too tight in the dark and you will get quite a surprise!,” writes Furst.
The above image is only one of many examples of road conditions, in this case, at least it has lines, faced by drivers daily.
In addition to various risks, including inadequate lighting, reckless driving, slow drivers causing frustration, speeding, and a very poor driving culture, there are also challenges such as heavy rain, poorly marked (if marked at all) construction zones, and pedestrians wearing dark clothing.
However, Costa Rica is not the United States or Canada, driving here is quite different and not for the timid driver, who should not rent a car, but rather hire a local (legal) and professional driver or transportation company or take public transportation.
Driving in Costa Rica is not too difficult, the problem is; that driving in the US or Canada is too easy. Boring really.
Driving in Costa Rica, as in other parts of Latin America, you must pay attention, not only to the road conditions but the actions of other drivers.
If you are going to drive in Costa Rica, get used to it … It’s not going to change!