Q COSTARICA — Road safety in Costa Rica faces structural challenges. This is evidenced by the Estudio de Movilidad Segura 2025 (Safe Mobility Study 2025), an analysis that provides a snapshot of road accidents in the country between 2012 and 2024 and puts the magnitude of the problem into perspective.
The report, developed by Grupo Purdy in conjunction with the Centro para la Sostenibilidad Urbana (CPSU)—Center for Urban Sustainability, reveals that more than 5,400 people died at the scene of a road accident during that period.
This is compounded by a rate exceeding 15 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, a figure higher than the regional average.
One of the most relevant findings of the study is the high vulnerability of motorcyclists. 41% of the recorded deaths involved this group or their passengers, highlighting the need to strengthen prevention, training, and enforcement on the roads.
“At Grupo Purdy, a leading provider of comprehensive mobility solutions, we believe that the figures for accidents, fatalities, and congestion reflect the challenges of mobility in Costa Rica. Part of the solution lies in training more prepared drivers and promoting a culture of safe and responsible driving. That’s why we want to professionalize driving with the opening of the Driving Academy,” said Alejandro Rubinstein, CEO of Grupo Purdy.
The analysis also examines traffic conditions in the country.
During peak hours, approximately 50% of the road network is saturated, which intensifies congestion and increases the risk of incidents due to greater driver exposure and longer travel times.
Beyond the human impact, road accidents represent a significant economic cost.
Various studies estimate that losses associated with traffic accidents can exceed 4% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), considering healthcare expenses, property damage, lost productivity, and emergency care.
Key Findings of the Study:
- Road Congestion: 50% of the national road network is congested during peak hours.
- Travel Times: Drivers can take up to 4.2 minutes to travel just 100 meters on the highway at the most congested points. On average, in critical areas, the travel time is 3.2 minutes per 100 meters.
- Increase in Accidents: Traffic accidents have quadrupled in the country over a period of four years.
- Victim Profile: 69% of road fatalities are vulnerable road users, primarily pedestrians and cyclists.
Given this situation, the report highlights the importance of promoting coordinated actions to improve safe mobility. Recommendations include:
- Strengthening road infrastructure: A change in infrastructure is urgently needed, focused on managing vehicular demand instead of just expanding roads.
- Increased enforcement of risky behaviors: Grupo Purdy has committed to addressing critical accident hotspots in partnership with local governments, such as the work done with the Municipality of Curridabat.
- Promoting a culture of respect on the road: Innovation programs in educational centers to propose mobility solutions from an early age.
“This study gives us a clearer picture of what is happening on our roads. It’s not just about numbers, but about lives lost and a problem that requires the participation of all sectors of the country to move toward safer mobility,” said Arturo Steinvorth, coordinator of the Sustainable Mobility and Transportation Area at CPSU.
In this context, the private sector is beginning to take a more active role.
Grupo Purdy announced the launch of a state-of-the-art Driving Academy, through the free online platform Aprendo a Manejar (Learn to Drive), developed in partnership with FIFCO to prepare drivers for the written driving test. Aimed specifically at corporate fleets and heavy vehicle drivers, they have also launched a specialized academy with simulators and real-world practice. with the goal of professionalizing driving and reducing risks on the road.
In an environment where road safety impacts both people and productivity, the participation of the business sector is positioned as a key ally in driving sustainable change in the country.